Schistosomiasis of the testis

Abstract

Schistosomiasis rarely affects the testis in man. In Africa, this is usually as a complication of infestation of the lower urinary tact by the S. haematobium. Although Dew has reported his early observations on the pathology of the disease, testicular invasion by the schistosome has merited only a few reports during the last 50 years. Indeed the pathological changes in this organ following infection are still incompletely described. Bilharzial orchitis may be unilateral or bilateral and there may or may not be involvement of the related epididymis and spermatic cord. In unilateral cases, especially in young people, and in those with bilateral swellings, testicular neoplasm may be suspected and excisional surgery undertaken. This report presents two cases of schistosomial orchitis simulating testicular neoplasms in young people.