IMPACT OF FEMALE GENITAL SCHISTOSOMIASIS
Impact of female genital schistosomiasis on the sexual and reproductive health of migrants in the metropolitan area of Barcelona
The objective is to provide a comprehensive description of female genital schistosomiasis from an epidemiological, clinical and molecular perspective, offering knowledge and tools for better estimation of its prevalence.
Center: IrsiCaixa
Schistosomiasis affects 250 million people worldwide, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, and it is estimated that around 15,000 people could be affected in the metropolitan area of Barcelona due to migration. The lack of proper diagnosis and treatment, especially in cases of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), leads to health complications often misdiagnosed as sexually transmitted infections, resulting in high healthcare costs. This project will describe FGS from epidemiological, clinical and molecular perspectives. Through a cross-sectional study involving residents from endemic regions, the project will determine the disease’s prevalence, risk factors, and immunopathological mechanisms using analyses of plasma, semen and cervicovaginal lavages. The results will help improve healthcare guidelines, reducing associated sexual and reproductive dysfunctions and optimising care for this neglected disease.
