Acute Schistosomiasis Mansoni in Finnish Hunters Visiting Africa: Need for Appropriate Diagnostic Serology

Three symptomatic and 3 asymptomatic patients with acute schistosomiasis mansoni are described. The index case presented with fever and eosinophilia 4-6 weeks after swimming in the Pipi River of the Central African Republic, suggesting acute schistosomiasis (Katayama fever). A fortunate early diagnosis led to early treatment of these schistosomiasis patients. Diagnosis was obtained based on the finding of one Schistosoma mansoni egg in the index case and positive serology in all cases. A commercially available passive haemagglutination test for serum bilharzia antibodies was negative in all cases prior to, and 2 weeks after treatment. However, antibodies against gut-associated antigens (GAA) of adult S. mansoni worms could be demonstrated using the indirect immunofluorescence technique. These cases illustrate the importance of using appropriate diagnostic assays for the early demonstration of infection by schistosomes in previously unexposed "nonimmune" patients with atypical symptoms and in asymptomatic individuals at risk even after brief exposure to schistosome-containing water in endemic countries. Careful (and repeated) stool examination and appropriate serological tests are the keys to prompt diagnosis of S. mansoni infection.