Interaction between Salmonella and Schistosomiasis: A Review.

The interaction between schistosomiasis and Salmonella is a particularly important issue in Africa, where dual infection by the parasite and the bacterium are likely common. In this review, the ways in which schistosomiasis affects human biology as it relates to Salmonella are described. Those who are infected by both organisms experience reduced immunological functioning, exhibit irreversible organ damage due to prolonged schistosomiasis infection, and become latent carriers of Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhi and Paratyphi and S. Typhimurium. The sequestration of the bacteria in the parasite leads to ineffective antibiotic treatment because the bacteria cannot be completely killed, and lingering infection may then lead to antimicrobial resistance. These manifestations are likely not just for those dually infected but also for those first infected with schistosomes and, later, Salmonella. More data are needed to better understand dual infection, particularly as it may impact treatment and prevention of schistosomiasis and Salmonella in sub-Saharan Africa

Primary cystic echinococcosis presented as prolonged disabling knee osteoarthritis: a case report

Cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease) is a neglected tropical disease common in Asia, South America and Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a parasitic disease caused by larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The commonest organs affected by hydatidosis are the liver and the lung. Primary bone hydatidosis in humans is a rare disease accounting for 1–2% of echinococcosis cases. To our knowledge secondary hydatidosis of joints is uncommon and few cases of hydatid disease of the knee joint have been reported. We present a case of primary cystic echinococcosis of the knee joint occurring in a 43-year-old female presenting mainly as disabling right knee arthritis in the form of chronic (13 years) painful swelling, which ultimately led to her inability to walk. Imaging and histopathologic examination revealed cystic echinococcosis of the right knee joint. Subsequent pulmonary, liver and bone screening for primary lesions were negative. To our knowledge, this is the first ever report on primary knee hydatid disease. It is possible that pre-existing arthritis modulated the local environment of the knee, rendering it susceptible to hydatidosis. This should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of arthritis particularly in endemic areas