Katayama syndrome is an allergic reaction of anti gens of schistosomes, kno
wn as the acute phase of schistosomiasis. We report on an eleven year-old b
oy, who was seen at our outpatient department because of cough and oedema o
f the face after travelling to Malawi. Remarkable findings were an eosinoph
ilia and antibodies against schistosoma-antigens. Six weeks later the diagn
osis was confirmed by detecting eggs of Schistosoma haematobium in the urin
e. Praziquantel treatment was started. Parasitological examinations of urin
e and faeces four months later were negative.
Discussion: We present this case to draw attention to this potential life-t
hreatening disease as a differential diagnosis in febrile children returnin
g from tropical countries.