Genital schistosomiasis in non-endemic settings: a clinical perspective

Abstract

Genital schistosomiasis, caused mainly by infection with Schistosoma haematobium flukes, causes a variety of symptoms and significant complications in men and women. With high levels of migration from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe and North America, genital schistosomiasis is likely to be encountered more frequently by clinicians in non-endemic areas. In this article, we review the current knowledge of genital schistosomiasis in non-endemic areas, available guidelines and barriers to clinical care of patients. Future work to address these barriers will likely improve care for patients with this neglected and stigmatized disease.

Keywords: clinical perspective; genital schistosomiasis; non-endemic settings.