Publisher's Synopsis
Introduction: Although bilharziasis is the second most endemic parasitic disease in the world, it is considered a neglected tropical disease. In Tunisia, only imported cases have been reported since 1984.Objective: to analyze the epidemiological, clinical and parasitological characteristics of bilharziasis cases diagnosed in ENRPT.Methods: Our study was a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 15 academic years, and included 6051 ENRPT. Each student was thoroughly interviewed and underwent an EPS and EPU before enrolling in a Tunisian institution.Results: Bilharzia was diagnosed in 91 students (1.5%) (76 cases of intestinal bilharzia, 14 cases of urogenital bilharzia and 1 case of a combination of these 2 forms). The sex ratio of patients was 3 and their mean age 24.4 years. Most students were asymptomatic. Association with other digestive parasites was frequent.Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of maintaining systematic surveillance of ENRPT and prompt management.
