Parasite-bacteria interrelationship.

Parasites and bacteria have co-evolved with humankind, and they interact all the time in a myriad of ways. For example, some bacterial infections result from parasite-dwelling bacteria as in the case of Salmonella infection during schistosomiasis. Other bacteria synergize with parasites in the evolution of human disease as in the case of the interplay between Wolbachia endosymbiont bacteria and filarial nematodes as well as the interaction between Gram-negative bacteria and Schistosoma haematobium in the pathogenesis of urinary bladder cancer. Moreover, secondary bacterial infections may complicate several parasitic diseases such as visceral leishmaniasis and malaria, due to immunosuppression of the host during parasitic infections. Also, bacteria may colonize the parasitic lesions; for example, hydatid cysts and skin lesions of ectoparasites. Remarkably, some parasitic helminths and arthropods exhibit antibacterial activity usually by the release of specific antimicrobial products. Lastly, some parasite-bacteria interactions are induced as when using probiotic bacteria to modulate the outcome of a variety of parasitic infections. In sum, parasite-bacteria interactions involve intricate processes that never cease to intrigue the researchers. However, understanding and exploiting these interactions could have prophylactic and curative potential for infections by both types of pathogens.

Schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms (blood flukes) of the genus Schistosoma, with considerable morbidity in parts of the Middle East, South America, Southeast Asia and, particularly, in sub-Saharan Africa. Infective larvae grow in an intermediate host (fresh-water snails) before penetrating the skin of the definitive human host. Mature adult worms reside in the mesenteric (Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum) or pelvic (Schistosoma haematobium) veins, where female worms lay eggs, which are secreted in stool or urine. Eggs trapped in the surrounding tissues and organs, such as the liver and bladder, cause inflammatory immune responses (including granulomas) that result in intestinal, hepato-splenic or urogenital disease. Diagnosis requires the detection of eggs in excreta or worm antigens in the serum, and sensitive, rapid, point-of-care tests for populations living in endemic areas are needed. The anti-schistosomal drug praziquantel is safe and efficacious against adult worms of all the six Schistosoma spp. infecting humans; however, it does not prevent reinfection and the emergence of drug resistance is a concern. Schistosomiasis elimination will require a multifaceted approach, including: treatment; snail control; information, education and communication; improved water, sanitation and hygiene; accurate diagnostics; and surveillance-response systems that are readily tailored to social-ecological settings.

Esquistosomiasis como causa de hematuria macroscópica / Schistosomiasis as a cause of gross hematuria

La esquistosomiasis (o bilarzhiasis) es una enfermedad parasitaria muy extendida en el mundo, que deberemos considerar en el diagnóstico diferencial de diversas entidades, predominantemente la hematuria, ante población inmigrante procedente de áreas endémicas. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 11 años original de Gambia con hematuria macroscópica de larga evolución por esquistosomiasis vesical. El estudio microbiológico de orina demostró huevos de Schistosoma haematobium(AU)

Bilarzhia is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in the world, that we should consider in the differential diagnosis of different entities, such as hematuria, most of it occurs in immigrant population coming from endemic areas. We present a case report of a child eleven years old original from Gambia, with gross hematuria due to vesical esquistosomiasis. The urinary microbiology study showed Schistosoma haematobium eggs(AU)

Infección vesical por Schistosoma haematobium / Bladder infection due to Schistosoma haematobium

La esquistosomiasis es una de las enfermedades parasitarias más extendidas en el mundo. La infección por Schistosoma haematobium es habitual en inmigrantes procedentes de áreas endémicas. El hombre se infecta por las larvas que penetran a través de la piel al realizar actividades relacionadas con el agua contaminada. La sintomatología más frecuente que aparece es una hematuria, incluso macroscópica. No debemos olvidar la existencia de enfermedades inusuales en nuestro medio. Presentamos el caso de un varón inmigrante (Mali) con hematuria por esquistosomiasis vesical. El estudio parasitológico en orina detectó huevos de Schistosoma. Actualmente, el paciente está asintomático tras tratamiento con Praziquantel (AU)

Schistosomiasis is one of the most widespread parasitic diseases in the world. Schistosoma haematobium infection is usually found in immigrants from endemic areas. Schistosoma species is acquired by exposure to fresh water that harbours cercariae released by infected snails and penetrating the skin. Haematuria is the most common symptom. We must not forget the existence of unusual diseases in our environment. We present a case of an immigrant male (from Mali) with haematuria caused by bladder schistosomiasis. Parasitological study reported Schimosoma´s eggs. The patient is currently asymptomatic after being treated with Praziquantel (AU)

[Bacterio-parasitic interactions. Enterobacteria and schistosomes (Salmonella - schistosome association)]. / Interactions bactério-parasitaires. Enterobactéries et schistosomidés (salmonello-schistosomo-synusies).

The description of a case imported from Chad of an association of Salmonella typhi - Schistosoma haematobium and, in this connection, a new revised general account. The association Salmonella-Schistomas is wide-spread. It corresponds to a salmonello - schistosomo - micro - association by the fixation of precise bacteria in the case of a bacteriemia on the cutaneous surface of male schistosomes in clearly defined places. These Salmonella constitute a permanent antigenic solicitation and they are capable of mobilization and rejection (bacteriuria after passage through the blood-stream) whereas bacteriosis remains asymptomatic. In fact, on the practical level, a clear and absolute distinction must be made between:--the bacteriemia with the concomitant bacteriuria, which are largely physiological in nature, very frequent and originating from various germs, connected with the emunctory function of the kidneys and which can be observed in any subject.--the schistosomal bacteriuria which are specific entities and evidence of a veritable micro-association of a symbiotic nature between the Salmonella and the schistosome, a micro-association which the bacteriuria reveals unexpectedly whereas the clinical symptoms are absent, not clearly discernible or totally misleading.