Clinical and laboratory evaluation of schistosomiasis mansoni patients in Brazilian endemic areas.

A total of 60% of the territory of Alagoas (AL) is considered endemic for the occurrence of schistosomiasis and the classification of clinical forms of the disease are not known. This paper aimed to evaluate an endemic schistosomiasis population in AL, taking into account the prevalence, classification of the clinical forms and the results of laboratory analyses. The sample consisted of residents in endemic areas.

[Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastroduodenal lesions in patients with chronic liver disease].

Context: The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastroduodenal lesions in chronic liver disease remains controversial.

Objective: Evaluate the evidence of the role of H. pylori infection in gastroduodenal lesions in patients with chronic liver disease.

High serum laminin and type IV collagen levels in schistosomiasis mansoni.

Background: Fibrosis is the process of excessive deposition of collagen and other extra cellular matrix components and large amounts of these components have been shown in periovular schistosomal granulomas, especially in the liver. Laminin and type IV collagen have been investigated in various hepatic disorders but their accuracy in fibrosis detection and in the evaluation of its progression in schistosomiasis have not been fully explained.

Aim: To measure the serum levels of two markers of fibrosis, laminin and type IV collagen in schistosomiasis.