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Schistosomiasis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Swimmer's itch
Swimmer's itch
Antibodies
Antibodies

Alternative Names    Return to top

Bilharzia; Katayama fever; Swimmer's itch; Blood fluke

Definition    Return to top

Schistosomiasis is infection with a type of Schistosoma parasite.

Causes    Return to top

You get a schistosoma infection through contact with contaminated water. The parasite in its infective stages is called a cercaria. It swims freely in open bodies of water.

On contact with humans, the parasite burrows into the skin, matures into another larval stage (schistosomula), then migrates to the lungs and liver, where it matures into the adult form.

The adult worm then migrates to its preferred body part, depending on its species. These areas include the bladder, rectum, intestines, liver, portal venous system (the veins that carry blood from the intestines to liver), spleen, and lungs.

Schistosomiasis is not usually seen in the United States. It is common in many tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, where it affects more than 200 million people.

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms vary with the species of worm and the phase of infection.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Treatment    Return to top

This infection is usually treated with the drug Praziquantel. If the infection is severe or involves the brain, corticosteroids may be given.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Treatment before significant damage or severe complications occur usually produces good results.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of schistosomiasis, especially if you have traveled to a tropical or sub-tropical area where the disease is known to exist or if you have been exposed to contaminated or suspect bodies of water.

Prevention    Return to top

Snails are an intermediate host for the parasite. Getting rid of snails in bodies of water used by humans would help prevent infection.

References    Return to top

Carvalho EM, Lima AAM. Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis). In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 376.

Update Date: 9/28/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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