In parts of Africa, millions of women live with a parasite few in the Western world know about.
It’s called Schistosoma haematobium, and it enters the body through freshwater exposure.
It’s known for causing urinary infections — but new evidence suggests it could be much more dangerous.
Researchers examined cervical tissue from women in Tanzania. Some were infected with the parasite, others were not.
Through RNA sequencing, the scientists uncovered striking genetic differences.
In infected women, key genes related to tumor formation, inflammation, and weakened cell protection were highly active.
When treatment makes it worse
But what shocked scientists the most came after treatment. The women were given praziquantel — the standard drug used to kill the parasite. That should have been the end of the story.
Instead, the gene changes grew more intense. Cancer-linked pathways became even more active, while genes that protect cells weakened further.
According to lead researcher Anna Maria Mertelsmann, the treatment might trigger inflammation and tissue changes that unintentionally speed up harmful processes.
A dangerous combination
The findings are especially concerning for areas where HPV is widespread. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
If a parasitic infection already weakens the cervix, and the treatment increases inflammation, it may create the perfect storm for HPV to take hold.
The study raises urgent questions about how we treat parasitic infections in women — especially in regions where healthcare access is limited.
A larger, year-long study is already underway to explore this further.
Meanwhile, researchers urge greater monitoring of Female Genital Schistosomiasis and stress the importance of HPV vaccination for women in high-risk areas.
This article is based on information from American Medical Journal.
This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.