Schistosomiasis diagnosed using laparoscopy and colonoscopy

Abstract

Schistosomiasis infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in endemic areas. Developed countries have declared that schistosomiasis has been eradicated; however, residents of these countries may travel and stay in endemic areas and the number of foreign travelers is increasing in the recent years. Thus, schistosomiasis is regarded as an imported infection. Ultrasonography and serum antibody titer tests are well established as diagnostic methods for schistosomiasis. However, a definitive diagnosis cannot be obtained using these tests in some cases. We herein report a case in which schistosomiasis was confirmed based on laparoscopic liver biopsy without a definitive diagnosis by blood test, fecal examination, or imaging.