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Malawi Medical Journal
College of Medicine, University of Malawi and Medical Association of Malawi
ISSN: 1995-7262
Vol. 30, No. 4, 2018, pp. 225-229
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Bioline Code: mm18046
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Malawi Medical Journal, Vol. 30, No. 4, 2018, pp. 225-229
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Schistosomiasis among obstetric fistula patients in Lilongwe, Malawi
Drew, Laura B.; Tang, Jennifer H.; Norris, Alison; Reese, Patricia Carr; Mwale, Mwawi; Mataya, Ronald & Wilkinson, Jeffrey P.
Abstract
Background Schistosoma haematobium infection has been documented as an uncommon cause of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and can result in impaired
wound healing of urogenital tissues. For these reasons, it could potentially be linked to an increased rate of obstetric fistula among
women who experience obstructed labor and/or in a higher failure rate of fistula repair. Therefore, the primary objective of our study
was to determine the prevalence of S. haematobium infection among women undergoing obstetric VVF repair in Lilongwe, Malawi. Our
secondary objectives were to assess if S. haematobium infection could be a risk factor for obstetric fistula development or unsuccessful
VVF repair in our patient population.
Methods From July to October 2013, we conducted S. haematobium testing via urine microscopy on 96 patients undergoing obstetric VVF repair
surgery at the Fistula Care Centre in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Results The prevalence of S. haematobium infection among women undergoing obstetric VVF repair was 2% (n=2). Both women with S.
haematobium had successful VVF repairs.
Conclusions Although S. haematobium has the potential to be a risk factor for obstetric VVF formation or unsuccessful VVF repair, it was uncommon
among the women in our clinic with obstetric VVF.
Keywords
fistula; vesicovaginal fistula; schistosomiasis; schistosoma; schistosoma haematobium
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