Systemic complications resulting from liver changes caused by schistosomiasis mansoni: a brief literature review

Abstract

Schistosomiasis mansoni is a typical disease of tropical regions, having as etiologic agent the helminth Schistosoma mansoni, after it penetrates human skin in the form of cercariae. During the evolutionary cycle of the parasite, eggs are released into the enterohepatic circulation, especially in the inferior mesenteric vein, resulting in alterations in the liver, such as the formation of granulomas and fibrosis, which can generate several systemic consequences. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects about 240 million people worldwide. The high prevalence of this pathology in regions that do not have the preparation or structure for screening and early treatment of the infection, such as African, Asian and Latin American countries, generates the need to know the systemic effects that schistosomiasis can cause to patients with its chronic form. . The aim of this brief literature review was to compile existing information on long-term systemic complications resulting from liver damage caused by schistosomiasis. To this end, searches were conducted for scientific works within the theme in the Embase, Lilacs and Medline databases, using the following specifics, including articles available in full, published in English and Portuguese between 2017 and 2022. According to the investigated literature, the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis may be related to the long-term development of portal hypertension and its repercussions, such as edema, splenomegaly and collateral circulation, hepatopulmonary syndrome, bleeding from esophageal varices, and even hepatocarcinoma. It is concluded that chronic infection by S. mansoni and its harmful effects on the liver can lead to several serious extrahepatic consequences. The need for constant studies on the subject is emphasized, since schistosomiasis is a health problem of extreme relevance and high prevalence in several countries, which can compromise the well-being and quality of life of those infected.

 Key words: Schistosomiasis mansoni. Liver damage. Systemic complications.