Hepatobiliary schistosomiasis

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is an ancient parasitic disease that has afflicted Egyptians since the time of the pharaohs. The disease is caused by lodged schistosome eggs in the host liver, evoking an immune response and leading in some patients to the development of hepatic granuloma and fibrosis. Here, we review the epidemiology, immunopatho-genesis, and clinical profile of schistosomiasis. This informa-tion may aid in the development of more efficacious treatments and improved disease prognosis. E 2014 The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Published by XIA & HE Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.