# Descriptive study on risk of increased morbidity of schistosomiasis and graft loss after liver transplantation

## TL;DR

This study examines the risks of schistosomiasis in liver transplant patients and suggests that the infection does not significantly hinder successful transplantation.

## Contribution

The study proposes a provisional screening protocol for schistosomiasis in liver transplantation.

## Key findings

- 32 out of 43 liver transplant patients were infected with Schistosoma mansoni.
- All patients achieved successful recovery despite schistosomiasis infections.
- Schistosomiasis infections generally do not prevent liver transplantation success.

## Abstract

Solid-organ transplantation procedures have witnessed a surge in frequency. Consequently, increased attention to associated infections and their impact on graft success is warranted. The liver is the principal target for infection by the flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. Hence, rigorous screening protocols for this parasite should be implemented for liver transplantation donors and recipients. This study investigated the risks posed by schistosomiasis-infected liver tissues for successful liver transplantation (LT), considering donors and recipients, by analyzing reported cases. Among the 43 patients undergoing LT (donors = 19; recipients = 24), 32 were infected with S. mansoni, five were infected with other Schistosoma species, and no identification was made in four patients. Reported follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 132 months, and all patients achieved successful recovery. As these helminths do not replicate in their vertebrate hosts, immunosuppressive treatment is not expected to promote increased morbidity or reactivation. Moreover, suspected or confirmed schistosomiasis infections often have a benign course, and generally, should not prevent LT. The available literature was reviewed and a provisional screening protocol has been proposed.