A GROUNDBREAKING study presented at ESCMID Global 2025 has found that Schistosoma haematobium, a parasitic worm infecting over 110 million people globally, can activate cancer-related gene pathways in the cervix, with such changes becoming even more pronounced after treatment with the antiparasitic drug praziquantel.
The research, led by Anna Maria Mertelsmann, analysed cervical tissue samples from 39 women in Tanzania, 20 infected with S. haematobium and 19 uninfected. Through RNA sequencing and gene expression profiling, scientists observed notable molecular changes in infected women, including activation of genes linked to tumour formation, inflammation, and reduced cell protection.
Four significantly altered genes were previously associated with cancer, including BLK proto-oncogene, TCL1 coactivator, and LINC RNA 2084, a marker in colon and head and neck cancers. Worryingly, even more cancer-related genetic changes were detected after treatment, including increased activity in pathways that support tumour growth and reduce cell death.
“These results suggest that the infection may prime cervical tissue for cancer development,” said Mertelsmann. “And paradoxically, treatment may accelerate some of these harmful changes by triggering inflammation and tissue remodelling.”
The findings raise important questions about the long-term impact of schistosomiasis treatment, particularly in regions with high HPV prevalence. The study also identified a loss of genes vital to maintaining cervical tissue integrity, which could make the cervix more susceptible to HPV infection and persistence, a major risk factor for cervical cancer.
A larger, follow-up study involving 180 women over 12 months is now underway. In the meantime, researchers urge greater awareness and monitoring of Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) and stress the importance of HPV vaccination for women in endemic regions.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Mertelsmann AM et al. Schistosoma haematobium infection is associated with oncogenic gene expression in cervical mucosa, with enhanced effects following treatment. Oral Presentation. ESCMID Global 2025.
