Early complicated schistosomiasis in a returning traveller: Key contribution of new molecular diagnostic methods

Abstract

Early schistosomiasis poses a serious diagnostic challenge, because current standard diagnostic techniques based on serology and egg microscopy lack sensitivity at the initial presentation. We report spinal cord neuroschistosomiasis in a traveller developing 6 weeks after exposure. The diagnosis was confirmed by Schistosoma mansoni-targeted real-time PCR in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, before the results of conventional methods became positive. Molecular assays represent a paradigm shift for the difficult diagnosis of early schistosomiasis and related complications.

Keywords: Early schistosomiasis; Neuroschistosomiasis; PCR; Traveller.