Prevalence and Molecular Identification of Human Schistosomiasis

Prevalence and Molecular Identification of Human Schistosomiasis With Assessment of Associated Epidemiological Risk Factors in Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Schistosomiasis remains one of the most important parasitic diseases of public health concern, particularly in developing countries including Egypt. It is caused by a trematode worm (blood flukes) of the genus Schistosoma

Schistosomiasis has been diagnosed in Egypt since pharaonic times (3200 B.C.) by recovering Schistosome eggs and antigens in ancient mummies.In Egypt, Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium have historically been highly endemic, with widespread distribution along the Nile Delta and Valley.(4) Schistosoma haematobium is responsible for urogenital schistosomiasis, with hematuria as its primary manifestation, while Schistosoma mansoni, the prevalent species in Egypt, is causing intestinal schistosomiasis with liver-related sequelae

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged ≥ 5 years of both sexes attending Assiut Governorate hospitals during the study period.
• Patients clinically suspected of having schistosomiasis (urinary and/or intestinal) or referred for parasitological examination.
• Individuals (or guardians, in case of minors) who provide written informed consent.
• Patients willing to provide the required biological samples (urine and/or stool).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients Received praziquantel within the last 3 months before sample collection
• Patients with incomplete clinical or epidemiological data.
• Patients refusing participation or sample collection.
• Improperly collected, contaminated, or insufficient samples.
• Patients suffering from severe comorbid conditions that may interfere with the interpretation of results (e.g., advanced hepatic or renal failure).
• children with congenital urinary or intestinal anomalies.