Testicular schistosomiasis in a 5-year-old male Ethiopian child: A rare case report

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is tropical/sub-tropical infectious disease commonly seen in areas with sub-optimal access to clean water. Schistosomiasis usually involves urinary bladder and large bowel causing hematuria and bloody stool, respectively. However, testicular schistosomiasis is extremely rare. Testicular schistosomiasis commonly present as testicular mass which resembles testicular cancer. So far, there are no radiologic investigations to help distinguish between testicular cancers and testicular schistosomiasis, which is why most patients with testicular schistosomiasis undergo unnecessary orchidectomy. Majority of testicular schistosomiasis cases have been reported from the western and central parts of Africa. Our patient, a 5-year-old male child, presented with a right side painless testicular swelling of 6 months duration. Biopsy from the swelling was taken and histopathologic examination revealed eggs of Schistosoma haematobium surrounded by granulomatous inflammation.