The impact of Schistosoma japonicum infection and treatment on ultrasound-detectable morbidity: a five-year cohort study in Southwest China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ultrasonography allows for non-invasive examination of the liver and spleen and can further our understanding of schistosomiasis morbidity.

Methodology/principal findings

We followed 578 people in Southwest China for up to five years. Participants were tested for Schistosoma japonicum infection in stool and seven standard measures of the liver and spleen were obtained using ultrasound to evaluate the relationship between schistosomiasis infection and ultrasound-detectable pathology, and the impact of targeted treatment on morbidity. Parenchymal fibrosis, a network pattern of the liver unique to S. japonicum, was associated with infection at the time of ultrasound (OR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.03-1.90) and infection intensity (test for trend, p = 0.002), adjusting for age, s

SUBMITTER: Carlton EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2872638 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature