Prolonged latent schistosomiasis diagnosed 38 years after infestation in a HIV patient

Abstract

We report a case of Schistosoma mansoni bilharziasis in a HIV patient 38 y after leaving an endemic region. A viable S. mansoni egg on a liver biopsy sample was diagnostic. Despite severe concomitant immunodeficiency the effective treatment was a single dose of praziquantel. Worms' intravascular longevity and the role of immunodeficiency as a possible factor in eggs retention after such prolonged latent schistosomiasis are discussed.