title: Schistosomiasis japonicum diagnosed on liver biopsy in a patient with hepatitis B co-infection: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic hepatitis B virus and schistosomiasis are independently associated with significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Despite much geographic overlap between these conditions and no reason why co-infection should not exist, we present what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first published report of a proven histological diagnosis of hepatic Schistosomiasis japonicum and chronic hepatitis B co-infection. A single case of hepatitis B and hepatic Schistosomiasis mansoni diagnosed by liver biopsy has previously been reported in the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 38-year-old Chinese man with known chronic hepatitis B virus infection presented with malaise, nausea and headache. Blood tests revealed increased transaminases and serology in keeping with hepatitis B virus e-antigen seroconversion. A liver biopsy was performed because some investigations, particularly transient elastography, suggested cirrhosis. Two schistosome ova were seen on liver histology, identified as S. japonicum, probably acquired in China as a youth. His peripheral eosinophil count was normal, schistosomal serology and stool microscopy for ova, cysts and parasites were negative.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hepatic schistosomiasis co-infection should be considered in patients with hepatitis B virus infection who are from countries endemic for schistosomiasis. Screening for schistosomiasis using a peripheral eosinophil count, schistosomal serology and stool microscopy may be negative despite infection, therefore presumptive treatment could be considered. Transient elastography should not be used to assess liver fibrosis during acute flares of viral hepatitis because readings are falsely elevated. The impact of hepatic schistosomiasis on the sensitivity and specificity of transient elastography measurement for the assessment of hepatitis B is as yet unknown.
authors: Tropical and Infectious Disease Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L7 8XP, UK. victoria.parris@rlbuht.nhs.uk.
authors: Victoria
authors: V
authors: Parris
authors: Kirsten
authors: K
authors: Michie
authors: Tim
authors: T
authors: Andrews
authors: Emmanuel F
authors: EF
authors: Nsutebu
authors: S Bertel
authors: SB
authors: Squire
authors: Alastair Ro
authors: AR
authors: Miller
authors: Mike Bj
authors: MB
authors: Beadsworth