Interaction between Salmonella and Schistosomiasis: A Review

PLoS Pathog. 2016 Dec 1;12(12):e1005928. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005928. eCollection 2016 Dec.

Abstract

The interaction between schistosomiasis and Salmonella is a particularly important issue in Africa, where dual infection by the parasite and the bacterium are likely common. In this review, the ways in which schistosomiasis affects human biology as it relates to Salmonella are described. Those who are infected by both organisms experience reduced immunological functioning, exhibit irreversible organ damage due to prolonged schistosomiasis infection, and become latent carriers of Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhi and Paratyphi and S. Typhimurium. The sequestration of the bacteria in the parasite leads to ineffective antibiotic treatment because the bacteria cannot be completely killed, and lingering infection may then lead to antimicrobial resistance. These manifestations are likely not just for those dually infected but also for those first infected with schistosomes and, later, Salmonella. More data are needed to better understand dual infection, particularly as it may impact treatment and prevention of schistosomiasis and Salmonella in sub-Saharan Africa.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coinfection / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Salmonella
  • Salmonella Infections / complications*
  • Salmonella Infections / microbiology
  • Schistosomiasis / complications*
  • Schistosomiasis / parasitology

Grants and funding

This manuscript was supported by core funding to IVI provided by the governments of the Republic of Korea and Sweden. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to public, or preparation of the manuscript.