New scientific studies have revealed a disturbing link. The parasitic flatworm Schistosoma haematobium increases women’s susceptibility to cervical cancer. This research informs our understanding of the complex health problems women experience in areas where this parasite is endemic. It emphasizes the African continent and Middle East.
Schistosoma haematobium infects an estimated 110 million people worldwide and is associated with urogenital schistosomiasis. This neglected tropical disease, schistosomiasis, can result in itchy skin, fever, chills, cough, and muscle aches. Our findings paint a troubling picture. Between 40% and 70% of infected women and girls carry its eggs stuck in the genital tract. This lack of access is a serious public health issue, especially when it comes to cervical health.
Jennifer Downs, associate professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, was the senior author on the study. She decided to strictly examine tissue samples from 39 Tanzanian women. Of these participants, 20 (37%) had active Schistosoma haematobium infections while 19 (35%) did not. Using these samples collected prior to treatment, we performed extensive analyses. Next, we performed a follow-up analysis four to twelve months later to see how the cervical tissue had responded.
The research showed for the first time that Schistosoma haematobium can induce carcinogenic gene expression in cervix. It changes the genes responsible for keeping cervical tissue’s protective barrier intact. Four of these mutated genes play critical roles in tumorigenesis. They achieve this by inducing aberrant cell proliferation and oncogenesis.
As a committed researcher in the study, Dr. Anna Mertelsmann drew attention to an important point. She urged careful follow-up of any women identified with Schistosoma haematobium.
“Women diagnosed with S. haematobium should be closely monitored for early signs of cervical tissue abnormalities,” – Dr. Anna Mertelsmann
Further, she noted that universal HPV vaccination has the potential to greatly lower cervical cancer risk in women impacted by schistosomiasis.
“Moreover, widespread HPV vaccination could play a crucial role in reducing cervical cancer risk for women affected by schistosomiasis,” – Dr. Anna Mertelsmann
To further quantify these impacts, the researchers are now following a larger control and treatment group of 180 women longitudinally for one year. They hope to validate their preliminary results and further their investigation into the mechanistic relationship between Schistosoma haematobium and cervical cancer. Past research in African countries shows that genital schistosomiasis impacts fewer than 1.7% to 3% of women. This condition is severely debilitating, and it is caused by a single-celled parasite, Trypanosoma brucei.
As Dr. Mertelsmann pointed out, one of the biggest unknowns is how the infection will interact with treatment.
“We don’t know if S. haematobium infection or the treatment causes or contributes to cervical cancer,” – Dr. Anna Mertelsmann
These findings are far-reaching in their implications. Contagions such as parasitic infections are epidemic in nations without access to clean water and proper sanitation.
Another researcher on the study, Dr. Joshua Cohen, echoed the need to target these environmental drivers.
“Given parasitic infections are most common in countries with less access to clean water and sanitation, it is important to focus on reducing the rate of parasitic infections for all people living in these locations,” – Dr. Joshua Cohen
