Schistosomiasis in German children

Reports on schistosomiasis in children growing up in Europe are rare despit e increased travel activity. We report on eight male and three female Germa n children aged 50 months to 15 years with schistosomiasis. Six children we re asymptomatic, whereas two presented with typical signs of Katayama fever . Persisting haematuria, headache with eosinophilia and pyelonephritis were observed in one child each. An exposure was reported for six of the childr en. Two were examined solely because schistosomiasis was diagnosed in a fam ily member. All had antibodies against schistosomal antigens in at least tw o of three screening tests. However, schistosomal ova (Schistosoma haematob ium) were detected in urine and faecal specimens from only three children. A tumour-like lesion of the bladder was found by ultrasound in only one of the children who also exhibited haematuria. Neither eosinophilia nor elevat ed IgE levels were constant findings. Six to 12 months after praziquantel t reatment, parasitological and ultrasound checks were negative and levels of specific antibodies decreased. However, 2 years later, elevated antibody l evels were detected in one girl without evidence of any new exposure. She b ecame antibody-negative I year after a second course of treatment. Conclusion In contrast to residents of endemic areas, parasitological and u ltrasound examinations seem to be inferior to immunodiagnostics in children from non-endemic areas at temporary risk for schistosomiasis.