New Delhi: A groundbreaking study presented at the ESCMID Global 2025 conference in Austria has revealed that Schistosoma haematobium—a parasitic infection affecting millions worldwide—may activate cancer-related genetic pathways in the cervix, with changes becoming more pronounced following treatment.
Led by Dr. Anna Maria Mertelsmann, the research highlights how this neglected tropical disease could contribute to cervical cancer risk at the molecular level. The findings showed that after treatment with praziquantel, women exhibited increased activity in pathways associated with inflammation, tissue remodelling, angiogenesis (blood vessel formation), and reduced apoptosis, the process by which the body eliminates potentially cancerous cells.
“These molecular alterations may increase women's vulnerability to cancer, particularly after treatment,” said Dr. Mertelsmann.
Of particular concern was the downregulation of genes essential for maintaining cervical tissue integrity, such as claudins and tight junction proteins. This breakdown of protective barriers could facilitate persistent HPV infections—one of the leading causes of cervical cancer.
The study found that women who had been treated for S. haematobium showed more pronounced genetic changes linked to cancer than those with active, untreated infections. This suggests that while praziquantel is effective in eliminating the parasite, it may also trigger molecular changes that require further investigation.
Researchers emphasized the urgent need for heightened awareness of Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), a frequently misdiagnosed condition that often coexists with S. haematobium infection. “Women diagnosed with this parasite should undergo regular monitoring for early signs of cervical tissue changes,” Mertelsmann noted.
Additional therapeutic strategies—such as the use of anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating drugs—are being considered to mitigate post-treatment effects. The researchers also stressed the importance of HPV vaccination in reducing cervical cancer risk among women previously exposed to schistosomiasis.
Published in the journal BEYOND, the study is part of a larger ongoing investigation tracking 180 women over 12 months to confirm these findings and further explore the long-term implications of schistosomiasis on cervical cancer susceptibility.