skip to main content

Schistosomiasis Serology Post-Treatment — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyParasitologySchistosomiasis Serology Post-TreatmentSCE Infectious Diseases

A 35-year-old man with known schistosomiasis (S. mansoni) treated with Praziquantel 6 months ago has repeat stool microscopy showing no ova. His eosinophil count has normalised. Schistosoma serology remains positive. Does the persistent positive serology indicate treatment failure?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — No — Schistosoma antibodies persist for years after successful treatment and do not indicate active infection; negative stool ova and normalised eosinophils confirm cure

Schistosoma antibodies (detected by EIA or haemagglutination) remain positive for months to years after successful treatment and do not distinguish past from current infection. Treatment response is assessed by: resolution of eosinophilia, negative stool/urine microscopy for ova (repeat at 3–6 months), and clinical improvement. Persistent positive serology alone does NOT indicate treatment failure or reinfection. This is analogous to persistent treponemal antibodies after treated syphilis. CAA (circulating anodic antigen) is a more specific marker of active infection where available.

Reference: WHO 2022 – Schistosomiasis; UKHSA 2023 – Schistosomiasis follow-up