Seminar | Challenges in diagnosing and treating female genital schistosomiasis in low resource settings
The Population Council's Center for Biomedical Research (CBR) proudly welcomes Dr. Wall to present on challenges in diagnosing and treating female genital schistosomiasis in low resource settings.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 56 million women and girls live with female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) in sub-Saharan Africa making it one of the most common neglected tropical diseases. FGS is caused by an inflammatory reaction to schistosome eggs trapped in body tissue, which leads to fibrosis and scarring of the female genital tract. The disease is associated with numerous reproductive sequelae, including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and adverse birth outcomes. FGS may alter the cervicovaginal microbiota or immune environment, and the disease is also associated with increased susceptibility to HPV and HIV. Unfortunately, diagnosis of FGS with colposcopy is infeasible in most health facilities. Additionally, there is debate about whether praziquantel treatment of adult women with FGS at the WHO recommended dosage helps to resolve lesions. This seminar will discuss challenges and opportunities for the diagnosis and treatment of FGS in limited resource settings.