Parasitic Infection Linked to Cervical Cancer After Treatment: Study

Synopsis

Recent findings indicate that the parasitic infection Schistosoma haematobium may stimulate cancer-related gene activity in the cervical lining, with effects intensifying after treatment. This highlights the need for awareness and monitoring among affected women.

Key Takeaways

Schistosoma haematobium may trigger cervical cancer-related gene activity.
Changes are more pronounced after treatment.
Increased inflammation and tissue remodeling pathways observed.
Monitoring is essential for women post-treatment.
HPV vaccination could reduce cervical cancer risk.

New Delhi, April 13 (NationPress) Recent research indicates that Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium), a parasitic infection that impacts millions worldwide, has the potential to activate cancer-associated gene activity in the cervical lining, with these changes becoming increasingly evident following treatment.

Presented at the ‘ESCMID Global 2025’ conference in Austria, this significant study provides new insights into how this frequently neglected parasitic disease might elevate the risk of cervical cancer at a molecular level.

After treatment, certain cancer-related biological pathways showed heightened activity, particularly those associated with inflammation, tissue remodeling, and the deterioration of protective barriers within the cervix.

These alterations were correlated with enhanced blood vessel formation, the activation of tumor-related processes, and a decrease in programmed cell death (apoptosis)—a crucial mechanism for eliminating abnormal cells.

“The results imply that the infection may induce molecular changes that increase women's susceptibility to cancer-related processes in the cervix, especially post-treatment,” stated Dr. Anna Maria Mertelsmann, the lead author of the study.

A particularly alarming finding was the downregulation of genes responsible for sustaining cervical tissue integrity, including claudins and tight junction proteins. The loss of this protective function could promote HPV infection and persistence, a significant risk factor for cervical cancer, according to Mertelsmann.

The study indicates that women treated with “praziquantel” exhibited more genetic changes associated with cancer compared to those with an active infection,” Dr. Mertelsmann added. “This raises vital questions regarding the long-term implications of treatment and underscores the necessity for meticulous post-treatment monitoring.”

This research, published in the journal BEYOND, represents a crucial first step in comprehending the role of S. haematobium in cervical cancer, and a larger study tracking 180 women over 12 months is currently in progress to validate these findings.

Future investigations will also assess whether women with a history of schistosomiasis have an increased risk of cervical cancer due to persistent HPV infections.

Researchers emphasize the importance of raising awareness about Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), as numerous women with S. haematobium are also impacted by this challenging-to-diagnose condition.

“Women diagnosed with S. haematobium should be closely scrutinized for early indications of cervical tissue abnormalities,” she stressed.

Additionally, she suggested that supplementary treatments—such as anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating therapies—could help mitigate the adverse effects observed post-treatment.

Moreover, extensive HPV vaccination could be vital in decreasing cervical cancer risk for women affected by schistosomiasis.