Schistosoma mansoni eggs in the placenta: an unusual finding

ABSTRACT

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease affecting millions of people in different parts of the world. It is estimated that only in Brazil 8 to 12 milion people are affected by Schistosoma mansoni, the species responsible for this disease in this country. Although its high prevalence, only rarely have S. mansoni eggs been found in the placenta. We report here a case in which the eggs were found in villous vessels during a routine examination of the placentas at our Institution. This region is not endemic for this disease and the patient did not know she had the disease