Liver schistosomiasis: an unexpected finding in hepatitis B virus-related chronic hepatitis

Summary 

Case report

We report the unusual case of an African patient who underwent a liver biopsy for a chronic HBV-related hepatitis, whose histological sample also unexpectedly revealed elements diagnostic for schistosomiasis. The patient was only mildly symptomatic for the Schistosoma infestation; stool examination confirmed the presence of parasitic eggs. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)–schistosomiasis co-infection is particularly rare in Western countries. Only the identification of some pathological elements atypical for HBV infection by means of step sections in the liver biopsy sample allowed us to disclose the unsuspected diagnosis.

Conclusions

Since migratory flows have increased, the number of foreign people being referred to our hospitals has increased. Patients coming from areas endemic for infectious diseases that are absent in Western countries must be carefully evaluated, taking into account possible unexpected co-infections, including in the setting of pathological studies of liver biopsies.

Keywords: Hepatitis B virus infection, Schistosomiasis, Liver biopsy