Clinical and Cerebrospinal Fluid Findings in Patients less than 20 Years Old with a Presumptive Diagnosis of Neuroschistosomiasis

Authors: Nascimento-Carvalho C.M.¹; Moreno-Carvalho O.A.²

Source: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, Volume 50, Number 2, April 2004 , pp. 98-100(3)

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Abstract:

CNS manifestations are rarely attributable to Schistosoma mansoni infection although systemic distribution of S. mansoni eggs is well recorded. We describe 73 patients aged less than 20 years who presented S. mansoni eggs in the stool or rectal biopsy and IFA and/or HAI positive CSF tests to S. mansoni, and who had neurological signs and symptoms. Paraparesis (54.8 per cent), urinary retention (53.4 per cent), and paraplegia (20.5 per cent) were the most commonly observed CNS manifestations. In the CSF, pleocytosis (range 7–560 WBC/mm³) associated with eosinophilia (85.7 per cent vs. 50.0 per cent, p = 0.02) and elevated protein concentration (96.8 per cent vs. 40.0 per cent, p = 0.00003) were observed. We conclude that in areas of the world where infection by S. mansoni is common, neuroschistosomiasis should be an important diagnostic consideration in children with neurological signs and symptoms.

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil 2: CSF Lab – José Silveira Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Publication date: 2004-04-01

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The Journal of Tropical Pediatrics provides a link between theory and practice in the field. Papers report key results of clinical and community research, and considerations of programme development. More general descriptive pieces are included when they have application to work preceeding elsewhere. The journal also presents review articles, book reviews and, occasionally, short monographs and selections of important papers delivered at relevant conferences.