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Review
. 2012 May;7(3):254-9.
doi: 10.1097/COH.0b013e328351b9e3.

The effects of schistosomiasis on HIV/AIDS infection, progression and transmission

W Evan Secor  1
Affiliations
Review

The effects of schistosomiasis on HIV/AIDS infection, progression and transmission

W Evan Secor. Curr Opin HIV AIDS. 2012 May.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The recent findings pertaining to the public health impact of schistosomiasis on the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS are summarized.

Recent findings: Both empiric data and mathematical models support the hypothesis that schistosome infections lead to increased susceptibility to infection with HIV-1, a more rapid progression to disease through more vigorous viral replication and immunosuppression, and a higher likelihood of transmitting the infection to others through both vertical and horizontal routes. Different species of schistosome infection vary in the magnitude of their effects on these mechanisms with Schistosoma haematobium playing a greater role for increased susceptibility and transmission because of its association with urogenital disease.

Summary: Schistosomiasis appears to be a cofactor in the spread and progression of HIV/AIDS in areas wherein both diseases are endemic; increased emphasis on treatment of schistosome infections in persons at risk of HIV/AIDS should be pursued.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

References

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      ■ Strong advocacy for combining neglected tropical disease treatment programs with global HIV/AIDS control efforts.

    1. World Health Organization. Report of an informal working group meeting on urogenital schistosomiasis and HIV transmission. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2010. pp. 1–26.

      ■■ This paper is a comprehensive report including the background, data, and needed studies related to increased HIV susceptibility/transmission in persons with urogenital schistosomiasis.

    1. Downs JA, Mguta C, Kaatano GM, et al. Urogenital schistosomiasis in women of reproductive age in Tanzania’s Lake Victoria region. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2011; 84:364–369.

      ■ This study is an important confirmation of previous research noting the association of HIV-1 and urogenital schistosomiasis.

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      ■ This is the first study associating presence of antibodies to schistosomes (presumably due to S. mansoni) and prevalence of HIV-1

MeSH terms