A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Schistosomiasis
Medical Questions » Schistosomiasis
| Name: Schistosomiasis |
| Also known as: Bilharzia |
| Fluke infestation transmitted by a species of snail that is found in fresh water streams, rivers and lakes in Egypt, tropical Africa as far south as Zimbabwe, the Caribbean and eastern South America. Often caught by bathing or washing in fresh water. |
Causes of Schistosomiasis
A microscopic animal (trematode fluke) that enters the body by burrowing through the skin, often of the foot. Once in the blood it travels to the veins around the large intestine, where eggs are laid. These pass out with the feces or urine to infect water supplies. Once in fresh water, the eggs hatch, and the larvae seek out and burrow into the flesh of specific species of fresh water snail. They mature in the snail, and emerge from it ready to enter and infect another human. Patients do not pass out all the eggs that are laid by the fluke, and they may spread to the liver, lungs or spinal cord to cause further symptoms. |
Symptoms of Schistosomiasis
The first symptom is an itchy patch at the site of skin penetration. Varying symptoms then follow, depending on the areas affected by the fluke as it moves through the body, and the individual' s reaction to those changes. Long-term symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloody urine. |
Tests for Schistosomiasis
Diagnosis involves blood, urine and skin tests, and liver and gut biopsies. |
Treatment for Schistosomiasis
Difficult, particularly late in the disease. A number of drugs can be used to kill the fluke inside the body.
|
Complications of Schistosomiasis of its treatment
Damage caused to organs by the fluke may be permanent. |
Likely Outcome of Schistosomiasis
Untreated may cause a low-grade chronic illness, or may progress to death in a matter of months. Result of treatment is good if commenced early in the course of the disease. Advanced disease may be incurable. |
|
|
