Parasitic infection and treatment linked to cancer-related gene activity in the cervix
New research has revealed that Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium), a parasitic infection affecting millions globally, can trigger cancer-related gene activity in the cervical lining, with changes becoming even more pronounced after treatment.1 Presented today at ESCMID Global 2025, this pivotal study sheds new light on how this often-overlooked parasitic disease may contribute to cervical cancer risk at the molecular level.
Schistosomiasis is a widespread parasitic disease, particularly prevalent in regions with poor access to clean water and sanitation.2 S. haematobium, one of the main species responsible for human schistosomiasis, infects over 110 million people worldwide by depositing eggs that infiltrate the urinary and reproductive tracts.3 While this parasite is recognised as a cause of bladder cancer, its potential role in cervical cancer has remained poorly understood.
In this study, researchers analysed cervical tissue samples from 39 Tanzanian women with (n=20) and without (n=19) S. haematobium infection. Infected women received praziquantel treatment, and samples were collected at baseline and 4-12 months post-treatment. Through RNA sequencing and gene expression analysis, cancer-related pathways linked to infection were identified. Nine genes were expressed differently between infected and uninfected women, 23 genes changed in women who cleared the infection after treatment, and 29 genes differed between women post-treatment and those never infected.
Among the nine most significantly altered genes between infected and uninfected women, four were linked to cancer:
- BLK proto-oncogene: A tyrosine kinase that drives cell proliferation and can contribute to tumour formation when dysregulated
- Long Intergenic Non-Protein Coding RNA 2084: A prognostic marker in head, neck, and colon cancers, influencing gene regulation tied to tumour progression
- Trichohyalin: Involved in keratin complex formation and upregulated in certain cancers
- TCL1 family AKT coactivator A: Promotes cell survival and proliferation, and is linked to T- and B-cell lymphomas
Post-treatment, certain cancer-related biological pathways became more active, particularly those involved in inflammation, tissue remodelling, and the breakdown of protective barriers in the cervix. These changes were linked to increased blood vessel formation, activation of tumour-related processes, and reduced programmed cell death (apoptosis)—a key mechanism for eliminating abnormal cells.
“The findings suggest that infection may trigger molecular changes that make women more vulnerable to cancer-related processes in the cervix, especially after treatment,” explains Dr. Anna Maria Mertelsmann, lead study author. “One particularly concerning observation was the downregulation of genes responsible for maintaining cervical tissue integrity, including claudins and tight junction proteins. This loss of protective function could facilitate HPV infection and persistence, a major risk factor for cervical cancer.”
“Our research shows that women who received praziquantel treatment exhibited more genetic changes linked to cancer than those with an active infection,” Dr. Mertelsmann added. “This raises critical questions about the long-term effects of treatment and highlights the need for careful post-treatment monitoring.”
This study serves as an important first step in understanding the role of S. haematobium in cervical cancer, and a larger study following 180 women over 12 months is currently underway to confirm these findings. Future research will also explore whether women who have had schistosomiasis are at greater risk of cervical cancer due to long-term HPV infections.
Dr. Mertelsmann and her team stress the need for greater awareness of Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), as many women with S. haematobium are also affected by this difficult-to-diagnose condition. “Women diagnosed with S. haematobium should be closely monitored for early signs of cervical tissue abnormalities,” she emphasised. She also suggested that additional treatments—such as anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating therapies—could help counteract the harmful effects seen after treatment. Moreover, widespread HPV vaccination could play a crucial role in reducing cervical cancer risk for women affected by schistosomiasis.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
A reference to ESCMID Global must be included in all coverage and/or articles associated with this study.
For more information or to arrange an expert interview, please contact the ESCMID Press Office at: communication@escmid.org
About the study author:
Dr. Anna Maria Mertelsmann is a researcher at University Hospital Zurich and Weill Cornell Medicine, specialising in infectious diseases and molecular oncology. Her work focuses on understanding parasitic infections and their role in cancer development.
About the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases:
The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) is the leading society for clinical microbiology and infectious diseases in Europe. ESCMID is proud to unite over 12,000 members as well as 45,000 affiliated members through 77 national and international affiliated societies. ESCMID’s mission is to champion medical progress in infection for a healthier tomorrow and plays an important role in emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance education and research.
Website: www.escmid.org/
References:
- Mertelsmann, A. M., Maganga, J. K., Lee, M. H., et al. (2025). Schistosoma haematobium infection is associated with oncogenic gene expression in cervical mucosa, with enhanced effects following treatment. Oral Presentation. ESCMID Global 2025.
- World Health Organization. (2023). Schistosomiasis. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schistosomiasis
- Mertelsmann, A. M., Bowers, S. F., Wright, D., et al. (2024). Effects of Schistosoma haematobium infection and treatment on the systemic and mucosal immune phenotype, gene expression and microbiome: A systematic review. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012456