CHRONIC INFECTION WITH SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUM LEADS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE BLADDER.

Abstract

Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) infection is a significant global health concern, impacting over 200 million individuals worldwide. Chronic infection with S. haematobium is closely associated with the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the bladder. This pathological link arises from the intricate interplay of molecular pathways and cellular processes, including persistent inflammation, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, altered signaling pathways, and epigenetic dysregulation. Chronic immune responses to S. haematobium infection, combined with environmental carcinogen exposure, create a pro-inflammatory environment that drives DNA damage, mutagenesis, and epigenetic alterations in urothelial cells. These changes culminate in uncontrolled cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling, which collectively promote tumorigenesis. This study investigates the molecular and inflammatory mechanisms underlying SCC development in chronic S. haematobium infection, providing insights into its complex pathogenesis.