Consensus document for the management of schistosomiasis in Primary Care

Abstract

Human schistosomiasis is the parasitic disease with the highest morbidity and mortality worldwide after malaria. It is endemic in more than 78 tropical and subtropical countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, and it is estimated that 236 million people are infected. It can cause serious health complications at the genitourinary and hepatosplenic level, leading to the death of 300,000 people each year. The number of imported cases in Western countries has increased in recent years due to the arrival of a significant number of migrants from endemic regions and a growing number of travelers who have visited them. On the other hand, outbreaks of autochthonous transmission have recently been reported in Corsica (France) and Almería (Spain). For all these reasons, the European health authorities have recommended serological screening for the disease in all migrants from endemic areas who have been living in Europe for less than 5 years. Since Primary Care is usually the first point of contact for these people with the Health System, doctors must know the main aspects of the disease, and be provided with the necessary means for its diagnosis and treatment. This document has been prepared by professionals belonging to five scientific societies of Primary Care (SEMFyC, SEMG, SEMERGEN), Pediatrics (SEIP) and Tropical Medicine and International Health (SEMTSI), in order to establish clear recommendations for the diagnosis and management of schistosomiasis in Primary Care.