A new study reveals that a common parasitic infection, known as Schistosoma haematobium, may increase the risk of cervical cancer by changing gene activity in women, especially after treatment.
Presented at the ESCMID Global 2025 conference, this research highlights that while Schistosoma haematobium is mainly known for its link to bladder cancer, its effects on cervical cancer have been previously overlooked. The parasite affects more than 110 million people around the world, primarily in regions where clean water and sanitation are scarce.
Researchers examined cervical tissue samples from 39 women in Tanzania, comparing those who were infected with the parasite (20 women) to those who were not (19 women). After treating the infected women with an antiparasitic drug called praziquantel, scientists monitored changes in gene activity over four to twelve months using RNA sequencing.
The findings were significant:
– Nine genes showed noticeable differences between the infected and uninfected women.
– 23 genes changed in women who cleared the infection after treatment.
– 29 genes were different in those who had treatment compared to women who were never infected.
Some of the affected genes are known to play roles in cancer development. For example, the BLK proto-oncogene is involved in cell growth and can promote tumor formation. Other genes related to poor cancer outcomes and abnormal cell processes were also impacted. After treatment, the samples revealed increased activity in biological pathways associated with inflammation and tissue breakdown, making the cervix more vulnerable to human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer.
Dr. Anna Maria Mertelsmann, the lead author of the study, expressed concern about these findings, stating, “Infection may trigger molecular changes that make women more vulnerable to cancer-related processes in the cervix, especially post-treatment.” She pointed out the unexpected decrease in proteins that help maintain the cervical lining, which could allow HPV to infect cervical cells more easily.
Dr. Mertelsmann added, “Women treated with praziquantel had more genetic changes linked to cancer than those with an active infection,” raising concerns about the long-term effects of such treatments and the importance of close monitoring afterward.
To further validate these results, a larger follow-up study involving 180 women over a year is planned. The research team will also investigate how schistosomiasis may interact with long-term HPV infections to influence cervical cancer risk.
Dr. Mertelsmann called for greater awareness of Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), which is often underdiagnosed. She stressed the need for early screening in women previously infected with Schistosoma haematobium and suggested exploring additional treatments, like immune-boosting therapies, to help counteract the identified genetic changes. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of widespread HPV vaccination to protect at-risk populations.
-Rashmi Kumari
