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Does Bodily Temperature Explain the Discordant Age Incidence of Gonadal Schistosomiasis?
Wilson IBOnuigbo*
Medical Foundation & Clinic, Nigeria
Submission: July 09, 2018; Published: July 26, 2018
*Corresponding author: Wilson IB Onuigbo, Medical Foundation & Clinic,Nigeria, Tel: +2348037208680; Email: wilson.onuigbo@gmail.com
How to cite this article: Wilson IBO. Does Bodily Temperature Explain the Discordant Age Incidence of Gonadal Schistosomiasis?. J Gynecol Women’s Health. 2018: 10(4): 555799. DOI: 10.19080/JGWH.2018.10.555799
Abstract
Whereas the ovary lies within the warm inside of the pelvis, its male counterpart, the testis, hangs coolly outside the body. This is on account of the natural function of the cremaster muscles of the scrotum. Therefore, it is epidemiologically unique on two grounds. First, 9 cases each of ovarian and testicular examples were found in a 30-year biopsy series obtained among a Nigerian ethnic group. Secondly, they occurred in precisely different age groups. Accordingly, it is suggested that temperature is responsible. Moreover, this hypothesis should be tested along the schistosomiasis belt worldwide. It is concluded that a positive finding will help in advancing bio-medical principles.
Introduction
Although the ovary and the testis function in the same way in females and males, the one lies inside the warm interior of the pelvis while the other hangs outside the body coolly. This is due to the natural temperature regulation which is a favorable function of the scrotal muscles [1]. Does this special site confer any advantage in disease? In particular, consider schistosomiasis. Nine cases of it were seen in the testis as well as in the ovary in a Reference Laboratory serving the Ibos [2],a populous ethnic group in Nigeria, West Africa. Surprisingly, the age patterns differed distinctly. Therefore, it became necessary to develop a hypothesis for its explanation, especially as important principles of science may be discovered.
Investigation
The present paper is an analysis of the 30-year histopathology data pool on schistosomiasis with reference to the terminal spined haematobium type. (See Figure 1). This is in keeping with the epidemiologic practice which was suggested by a UK group [3], that proposed that a histopathology data pool facilitates epidemiological analysis. This was done in respect of an Ethnic Group, the Igbos [4] who use a Regional Reference Laboratory which I ran from 1970-2000. There were 9 cases each of both ovarian and testicular cases. However, they were seen in strictly different age groups, i.e., ovary from 20 to 50 years range and testis from 0-19 years respectively
Discussion
Clearly, the age patterns differ. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the difference is probably not one of structure but one of site with reference to temperature. Accordingly, this odd pattern is open to research worldwide. It is of interest that the Internet search of the recent literature revealed a Taiwan case of 31 years old woman with ovarian schistosomiasis [5]. In a Tanzanian case [6], the testis was involved at the age of 9 years. Therefore, both findings are in keeping with the present series. Unfortunately, a histopathology review from Ghana contained neither testicular nor ovarian examples [7].
Conclusion
It is hoped that the above definite finding concerning the discordance in age presentation will pave the way to advancing bio-medical knowledge of schistosomiasis world wide.
References
- Romanes GJ (1981) Cunningham’s Textbook of Anatomy. In: (11thedn) Oxford University Press, London, pp. 996.
- Basden GT (1966) Among the Ibos of Nigeria. Frank Cass, London.
- Macartney JC, Rollaston TP, Codling BW (1980) Use of a histopathology data pool for epidemiological analysis. J Clin Pathol33(4): 351-353.
- Cohnheim J (1889) Lectures on general pathology. Section 1, The New Sydenham Society, London, p.14.
- Lee KF, Hsueh S, Tang MH (2000) Schistosomiasis of the ovary with endometriosis and corpus hemorrhagicum: a case report. Chang Gung Med J23(7): 438-441.
- Rambau PF, Chandika A, Chalya PL, Jackson K (2011) Scrotal swelling and testicular atrophy due to schistosomiasis in a 9-year-old boy: A case report. Case Rep Infect Dis 2011: 787961.
- Der EM, Quayson SE, Mensah JE, Tettey Y (2015) Tissue schistosomiasis in Accra Ghana: a retrospective histopathologic review at the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital (2004-2011). Pathol Disc 3: 1.
