Intestinal schistosomiasis, importation of a neglected tropical disease in Romania. Case report of a traveler to endemic regions.
BACKGROUND
Schistosomiasis is the second most common parasitic disease after malaria. Imported cases of schistosomiasis are reported in nonendemic regions due to an increased number of travelers to affected geographical areas. The present case report aimed to emphasize the importance of a correct history of a patient, including information regarding travel history and its consequences, and to overview the evolution of a tropical disease diagnosed rarely in Romania.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of a single case of imported schistosomiasis diagnosed in Timisoara, Romania.


RESULTS
A 25-year old male patient had traveled and worked abroad for a long period of time in tropical areas in Asia and South America (Brazil). The clinical pattern at admission to hospital included fever and diarrhea with multiple liquid stools with mucus. Physical examination was normal. Routine laboratory tests revealed an increased number of leucocytes.


CONCLUSIONS
Final diagnosis was established with difficulty in this case. Failure to associate a febrile prolonged syndrome or chronic diarrhea with a history of travel can cause a delayed diagnosis.
Neghina
Raul
R
Department of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania. aul.neghina@gmail.com
Neghina
Adriana-Maria
AM
Merkler
Carmen
C
Marincu
Iosif
I
Moldovan
Roxana
R
Iacobiciu
Ioan
I
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D010270:Parasite Egg Count / Q000662:veterinary; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012383:Romania / Q000453:epidemiology; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D014195:Travel; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D012547:Schistosoma; D000818:Animals
D000871:Anthelmintics; D011223:Praziquantel