S-haematobium as a common cause of genital morbidity in girls: A cross-sectional study of children in South Africa

Background: Schistosoma (S.) haematobium infection is a common cause of genital morbidity in adult women. Ova in the genital mucosal lining may cause lesions, bleeding, pain, discharge, and the damaged surfaces may pose a risk for HIV. In a heterogeneous schistosomiasis endemic area in South Africa,...

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Main Authors: Hegertun, Ingrid Elise Amelie, Gundersen, Kristin Marie Sulheim, Kleppa, Elisabeth, Zulu, Siphosenkosi Gift, Gundersen, Svein Gunnar, Taylor, Myra, Kvalsvik, Jane D, Kjetland, Eyrun Floerecke
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Language:English
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Summary:Background: Schistosoma (S.) haematobium infection is a common cause of genital morbidity in adult women. Ova in the genital mucosal lining may cause lesions, bleeding, pain, discharge, and the damaged surfaces may pose a risk for HIV. In a heterogeneous schistosomiasis endemic area in South Africa, we sought to investigate if young girls had genital symptoms and if this was associated with urinary S. haematobium. Methodology: In a cross-sectional study of 18 randomly chosen primary schools, we included 1057 schoolgirls between the age of 10 and 12 years. We interviewed assenting girls, whose parents had consented to their participation and examined three urines from each of them for schistosome ova. Principal findings: One third of the girls reported to have a history of genital symptoms. Prior schistosomal infection was reported by 22% (226/1020), this was associated with current genital symptoms (p