Haemostatic changes in urogenital schistosomiasis haematobium: a case-control study in Gabonese schoolchildren

M M Mebius, A A Adegnika, J F Zinsou, J C D Agobe, Y J Honkpehedji, M Yazdanbakhsh, G J van Dam, P L A M Corstjens, A G M Tielens, P G de Groot, R T Urbanus, J J van Hellemond

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

In many tropical areas schistosomiasis is a major health problem causing hepatosplenic, intestinal or urogenital complaints. Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni is also characterized by blood coagulation abnormalities. Liver pathology plays a role in the development of haemostatic changes and the parasitic infection may directly affect coagulation. However, these contributing factors cannot be studied separately in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis infections. This pilot study provides insight in haemostatic changes in urinary schistosomiasis by studying coagulation parameters in schistosomiasis haematobium-infected Gabonese schoolchildren. Selection on urinary schistosomiasis patients without hepatosplenic complaints allows for the investigation of the direct effects of the parasite on haemostasis. Levels of von Willebrand Factor (VWF) antigen, active VWF and osteoprotegerin were elevated, indicating inflammation-mediated endothelial activation. In contrast to hepatosplenic schistosomiasis, thrombin-antithrombin complex and D-dimer levels were not affected. Despite its small sample size, this study clearly indicates that Schistosoma haematobium directly alters the activation status of the endothelium, without initiation of coagulation.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere84
Pages (from-to)1-6
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of helminthology
Volume94
Early online date10 Sept 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Sept 2019

Keywords

  • endothelial activation
  • haemostasis
  • osteoprotegerin
  • Schistosomiasis haematobium
  • von Willebrand Factor
  • Key wordsSchistosomiasis haematobium

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