Bilharziasis (schistosomiasis) of the bladder - pathogenesis, diagnostics,therapy and uroprotection

The clinical manifestations of urinary schistosomiasis are related to the l ife cycle of the parasite Schistosoma haematobium. Chronic infections lasti ng for years or decades lead to severe changes of the urothelium (inflammat ion, ulcerating cystitis, retention of urine). In the area of the kidney ne phritis might occur, rarely also renal insufficiency. The most serious late sequelae is the development of a bladder carcinoma, especially of che squa mous cell type. The acute form of bilharziosis is treated by chemotherapy, mainly by Praziquantel (Biltricide). For preventing severe urothelial damag e it is necessary to take uroprotective measures. The surface coat of the u rothelium consists of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and has important functions in resisting infections. Therefore, controlled additive treatment with the uroprotectant D-glucosamine (Dona 200-S) possibly might improve urothelial damage that occur in urinary schistosomiasis.