Halting Schistosoma haematobium - associated bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: At present schistosomiasis is endemic in 78 countries affecting more than 260 million people. Schistosomiasis haematobia alone affects more than 112 millions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a computerized search of Pubmed database with keywords: bladder cancer cost and schistosomiasis mass treatment. RESULTS: Bladder cancer is an important sequelae of this infection. In low-resource countries, where this disease is endemic, individuals inflicted with bladder cancer have very limited access to treatment and death is most probably certain. CONCLUSION: Mass treatment with praziquantel is an easy, safe and inexpensive treatment that could save the lives of thousands and reduce the morbidity of millions.