The underestimated burden of placental schistosomiasis in endemic regions: Findings from a cross-sectional, diagnostic proof-of-concept study on placental schistosomiasis in Gabon
Fig 3
Female genital tract and placental schistosomiasis.
Adult S. haematobium pairs reside within pelvic venous plexuses (vesical, uterine, vaginal). This schematic is intended to support anatomic plausibility and does not imply a single proven route of egg migration. Schematic of the female genital tract and placenta highlighting anatomic sites affected by urogenital schistosomiasis due to S. haematobium. Eggs may get entrapped in the lower genital tract (vulva, vagina, cervix) and the upper tract (endometrium/myometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries). The placenta panel depicts the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta, with the intervillous space; S. haematobium eggs may be found on the maternal side.