New insights in diagnosing Schistosoma myelopathy

de Jongste, A.H.C.; Tilanus, A.M.R.; Bax, H.; Willems, M.H.A.; van der Feltz, M.; van Hellemond, J.J.

doi:10.1016/j.jinf.2009.12.002

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Volume 60, Issue 3 , Pages 244-247, March 2010

New insights in diagnosing Schistosoma myelopathy

A.H.C. de Jongste
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
A.M.R. Tilanus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
H. Bax
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
M.H.A. Willems
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
M. van der Feltz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
J.J. van Hellemond
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Corresponding author at: Jaap J. van Hellemond, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Dept. Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Room L-327, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 6 22279138; fax: +31 10 4633875.

Accepted 2 December 2009. published online 25 December 2009.

Summary

At present non-invasive tests for diagnosing Schistosoma myelopathy are sub-optimal. We present a novel serological method, using paired liquor and serum samples, resulting in the diagnosis of Schistosoma myelopathy in a male patient with proximal muscle weakness. The patient recovered after praziquantel treatment.

Keywords: Myelitis, Transverse, Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma myelopathy, Schistosoma myeloradiculitis, Neuroschistosomiasis