Bilharzia | Define Bilharzia at Dictionary.com bilharzia Examples from the Web for bilharzia Expand Historical Examples bilharzia, bil′hr-zi-a, n. a human parasitic flat worm in the fluke or Trematode order, with differentiated sexes. The larv of bilharzia closely resemble those of Fasciola hepatica, which latter may be appropriately noticed in this place. Parasites T. Spencer Cobbold British Dictionary definitions for bilharzia Expand another name for a schistosome 2. C19: New Latin, named after Theodor Bilharz (1825–62), German parasitologist who discovered schistosomes Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd.

1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 CDC - Schistosomiasis Schistosomiasis To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Enter Email Address ShareCompartir Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a disease caused by parasitic worms. Although the worms that cause schistosomiasis are not found in the United States, more than 200 million people are infected worldwide. In terms of impact this disease is second only to malaria as the most devastating parasitic disease. Schistosomiasis is considered one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) . The parasites that cause schistosomiasis live in certain types of freshwater snails. The infectious form of the parasite, known as cercariae, emerge from the snail, hence contaminating water. You can become infected when your skin comes in contact with contaminated freshwater.

Most human infections are caused by Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, or S. japonicum. Image: Left: Biomphalaria sp., the intermediate host for S. mansoni. Right: Bulinus sp., the intermediate host for S. haematobium and S. intercalatum. Center: Adults of S. mansoni. The thin female resides in the gynecophoral canal of the thicker male. Credit: DPDx bilharzia | Definition, meaning & more | Collins Dictionary 1. another name for a schistosome 2. another name for schistosomiasis Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers Word origin of 'bilharzia' C19: New Latin, named after Theodor Bilharz (1825–62), German parasitologist who discovered schistosomes bilharzia in American English (bɪlˈhɑrziə ; bilhärˈzēə) Definitions Schistosomiasis - body, last, contagious, causes, What Is Schistosomiasis?

Schistosomiasis Schistosomiasis Schistosomiasis (shis-tuh-so-MY-uh-sis) is an illness caused by parasitic * worms. The worms must spend part of their life cycle growing in freshwater snails before they enter and cause infestations * in humans. KEYWORDS for searching the Internet and other reference sources Bilharziasis Zoonoses What Is Schistosomiasis? Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that is not directly contagious from person to person. Five types of Schistosoma worm, also called blood flukes, can infest people and cause schistosomiasis: S. mansoni, S. japonicum, S. mekongi, S. intercalatum, and S. haematobium. These parasites have a complex life cycle; they have to go through several separate stages on their way to adulthood, and both snails and humans play important roles in that cycle.

Another name for the disease is bilharziasis (bil-har-ZYE-uh-sis) or "snail fever." The worm starts life as an egg in a freshwater source such as a pond, lake, or stream. It hatches into a larva * , and if the right type of aquatic snails live in that water, the larva will find and enter a snail. There it passes through several stages of development. During the last phase in the snail, the parasite turns into a larva that can swim. It then leaves the snail and returns to the water, where it may come into contact with a person; the larva can survive in the water for up to 2 days without a human host. When people bathe, wade, swim, or wash clothes in the water, the parasite can burrow into bare skin and enter the bloodstream. Once it is in the blood, it matures into an adult worm. Depending on the species, the female adult worms lay their eggs within blood vessels near the person's bladder or liver. The eggs gradually move to the urinary tract, liver, and intestines * .

Over time, some eggs pass through the urinary tract and intestines and are excreted when the person urinates or has a bowel movement. If feces (excreted waste) from an infested person contaminate a freshwater source such as a pond, the eggs can enter the water and begin the parasite life cycle all over again. * parasitic (pair-uh-SIH-tik) refers to organisms such as protozoa (one-celled animals), worms, or insects that can invade and live on or inside human beings and may cause illness. An animal or plant harboring a parasite is called its host. * Infestations refer to illnesses caused by multi-celled parasitic organisms, such as tapeworms, roundworms, or protozoa. * larva (LAR-vuh) is the immature form of an insect or worm that hatches from an egg. * intestines are the muscular tubes that food passes through during digestion after it exits the stomach. How Common Is Schistosomiasis? Schistosomiasis is not seen in the United States. However, the disease has a major impact on millions of people around the world in developing countries.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 200 million people worldwide are infested with the worms, with 20 million of those having serious symptoms. The disease is most common in tropical parts of the world, where it is a leading cause of illness. The parasites that cause schistosomiasis can be found in southern China, parts of the Middle East, and some countries in the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and southeast Asia. People from the United States who travel to those areas sometimes develop schistosomiasis if they swim or wade in tainted water, but they rarely get the severe, chronic * form of the disease. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Schistosomiasis? A rash and itchy skin, particularly at the spot where the parasite burrowed into the body, may develop within a few days. The worms then mature and spread through the bloodstream, and 1 to 2 months later patients may have muscle aches, fever, chills, and cough. It is not uncommon, however, for people to not show any symptoms during this early stage of infestation.

Over time, as the worms spread into the liver and intestines, patients can experience diarrhea (dye-uh-REE-uh), liver enlargement, vomiting, and abdominal * pain. How Do Doctors Diagnose and Treat Schistosomiasis? If the doctor suspects schistosomiasis, he or she will collect a urine or stool (bowel movement) sample to look for the worm's eggs. Several samples may need to be examined before the worms can be identified. The doctor also may take a sample of blood for testing, although the blood test may not show evidence of the infestation unless it is done 6 to 8 weeks after the patient's contact with the parasite. Occasionally, a tissue biopsy * will be done to check for signs of the parasite in organs such as the liver. Doctors can prescribe medicine to treat the infestation. Patients usually need to take pills for only 1 to 2 days. Without treatment, and with continued use of the same tainted water source, the illness can last for years. * chronic (KRAH-nik) means continuing for a long period of time.

* abdominal (ab-DAH-mih-nul) refers to the area of the body below the ribs and above the hips that contains the stomach, intestines, and other organs. * biopsy (BI-op-see) is a test in which a small sample of skin or other body tissue is removed and examined for signs of disease, * cirrhosis (sir-O-sis) is a condition that affects the liver, involving long-term inflammation and scarring, which can lead to problems with liver function. * esophagus (eh-SAH-fuh-gus) is the soft tube that, with swallowing, carries food from the throat to the stomach, Can Schistosomiasis Cause Complications? People who become re-infested with schistosomiasis again and again over many years can develop damage to the bladder, lungs, intestines, and liver; the disease is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis * in the world. In some cases, scarring of the liver is so severe that blood flowing through the organ becomes partly blocked, causing a condition known as portal hypertension.

Severe portal hypertension can make veins in the esophagus * and stomach swell and bleed, sometimes to the point that the bleeding is fatal. Flatworm flukes: on the left, Schistosoma japonicum, on the right, Schistosoma mansoni. These parasites can enter the human body through the skin and then develop into an adult worm in the bloodstream. Custom Medical Stock Photo, Inc. Other complications of the disease arise when the worm's eggs travel through the bloodstream to the spinal cord or brain, where they can cause seizures * , inflammation of the spinal cord, or paralysis * . How Can Schistosomiasis Be Prevented? Experts advise that travelers visiting countries where schistosomiasis occurs avoid wading, swimming, or bathing in any body of fresh water such as ponds, rivers, or lakes. Filtering or boiling drinking water for at least 1 minute will kill parasites, including the Schistosoma worms. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends heating bathing water to 150 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 5 minutes to make sure it is free of potential parasites.

To reduce the spread of schistosomiasis, health officials focus on educating people who live in areas where the worms are found. They teach the public how the parasites spread and encourage people not to urinate or have bowel movements in rivers and ponds. * seizures (SEE-zhurs) are sudden bursts of disorganized electrical activity that interrupt the normal functioning of the brain, often leading to uncontrolled movements in the body and sometimes a temporary change in consciousness. * paralysis (pah-RAH-luh-sis) is the loss or impairment of the ability to move some part of the body. Resources Organizations U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333. The CDC is the U.S. government authority for information about infectious and other diseases. The organization provides information about schistosomiasis at its website.

Telephone 800-311-3435 Bilharzia - definition of bilharzia by The Free Dictionary Bilharzia - definition of bilharzia by The Free Dictionary [New Latin Bilharzia, former genus name, after Theodor Bilharz (1825-1862), German physician.] bilharzia 1. (Animals) another name for a schistosome 2. (Pathology) another name for schistosomiasis [C19: New Latin, named after Theodor Bilharz (1825–62), German parasitologist who discovered schistosomes] schis•to•some (ˈʃɪs təˌsoʊm) n. 1. Also called bilharzia. any trematode of the genus Schistosoma, parasitic in the blood of birds and mammals, including humans; a blood fluke. adj. 2. Also, schis`to•so′mal. pertaining to or caused by schistosomes.

[1900–05; < New Latin Schistosoma <schist(us) (see schist ) + -soma -some 3] ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Noun 1. bilharzia - an infestation with or a resulting infection caused by a parasite of the genus Schistosoma; common in the tropics and Far East; symptoms depend on the part of the body infected infection - the pathological state resulting from the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms infestation - the state of being invaded or overrun by parasites Translations [bɪlˈhɑːzɪə] N bilharziasis [ˌbɪlhɑːˈzaɪəsɪs] N → bilharzia f, bilharziosis f, bilharciosis f bilharzia Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: schistosomiasis References in periodicals archive ? Worms are thriving in the accumulated water, and may cause Bilharzia," resident Mohamed Eid from the same district said.

Uganda : 32 UGANDA DISTRICTS likely to suffer from Cholera, Bilharzia and Typhoid After becoming one of the first six signings for Team Sky in September 2009 he initially performed well - but was then diagnosed with the parasite bilharzia, transmitted by water snails. ONE MORE MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB; He has conquered the Tour twice, yet despite his remarkable talent Chris Froome hasn't won over fans The minister touched upon the exerted efforts to develop the health services, primary care and control of epidemics, pointing that intensive efforts have been made in fight against malaria and bilharzia, raising immunization rate for children as well as the efforts to deal with other epidemic diseases like Ebola. schistosomiasis facts, information, pictures | Encyclopedia.com articles about schistosomiasis Schistosomiasis Definition Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharziasis or snail fever, is a primarily tropical parasitic disease caused by the larvae of one or more of five types of flatworms or blood flukes known as schistosomes.

The name bilharziasis comes from Theodor Bilharz, a German pathologist, who identified the worms in 1851. Description Infections associated with worms present some of the most universal health problems in the world. In fact, only malaria accounts for more diseases than schistosomiasis. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 200 million people are infected and 120 million display symptoms. Another 600 million people are at risk of infection. Schistosomes are prevalent in rural and outlying city areas of 74 countries in Africa, Asia , and Latin America . In Central China and Egypt , the disease poses a major health risk. There are five species of schistosomes that are prevalent in different areas of the world and produce somewhat different symptoms: Schistosoma mansoni is widespread in Africa, the Eastern-Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and South America and can only infect humans and rodents. S. mekongi is prevalent only in the Mekong river basin in Asia. S. japonicum is limited to China and the Philippines and can infect other mammals, in addition to humans, such as pigs, dogs, and water buffalos.

As a result, it can be harder to control disease caused by this species. S. intercalatum is found in central Africa. S. haematobium occurs predominantly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Intestinal schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma japonicum, S. mekongi, S. mansoni, and S. intercalatum, can lead to serious complications of the liver and spleen. Urinary schistosomiasis is caused by S. haematobium. It is difficult to know how many individuals die of schistomiasis each year because death certificates and patient records seldom identify schistosomiasis as the primary cause of death. Mortality estimates vary related to the type of schistosome infection but is generally low, for example, 2.4 of 100,000 die each year from infection with S. mansoni. Causes and symptoms All five species are contracted in the same way, through direct contact with fresh water infested with the free-living form of the parasite known as cercariae. The building of dams, irrigation systems, and reservoirs, and the movements of refugee groups introduce and spread schistosomiasis.

Eggs are excreted in human urine and feces and, in areas with poor sanitation, contaminate freshwater sources. The eggs break open to release a form of the parasite called miracidium. Freshwater snails become infested with the miracidium, which multiply inside the snail and mature into multiple cercariae that the snail ejects into the water. The cercariae, which survive outside a host for 48 hours, quickly penetrate unbroken skin, the lining of the mouth, or the gastrointestinal tract. Once inside the human body, the worms penetrate the wall of the nearest vein and travel to the liver where they grow and sexually mature. Mature male and female worms pair and migrate either to the intestines or the bladder where egg production occurs. One female worm may lay an average of 200 to 2,000 eggs per day for up to twenty years. Most eggs leave the blood stream and body through the intestines. Some of the eggs are not excreted, however, and can lodge in the tissues. It is the presence of these eggs, rather than the worms themselves, that causes the disease. Early symptoms of infection Many individuals do not experience symptoms.

If present, it usually takes four to six weeks for symptoms to appear. The first symptom of the disease may be a general ill feeling. Within twelve hours of infection, an individual may complain of a tingling sensation or light rash, commonly referred to as "swimmer's itch," due to irritation at the point of entrance. The rash that may develop can mimic scabies and other types of rashes. Other symptoms can occur two to ten weeks later and can include fever, aching, cough, diarrhea, or gland enlargement. These symptoms can also be related to avian schistosomiasis, which does not cause any further symptoms in humans. Katayama fever Another primary condition, called Katayama fever, may also develop from infection with these worms, and it can be very difficult to recognize. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, the eruption of pale temporary bumps associated with severe itching (urticarial) rash, liver and spleen enlargement, and bronchospasm. Intestinal schistosomiasis In intestinal schistosomiasis, eggs become lodged in the intestinal wall and cause an immune system reaction called a granulomatous reaction. This immune response can lead to obstruction of the colon and blood loss.

The infected individual may have what appears to be a potbelly. Eggs can also become lodged in the liver, leading to high blood pressure through the liver, enlarged spleen, the buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites ), and potentially life-threatening dilations or swollen areas in the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract that can tear and bleed profusely (esophageal varices). Rarely, the central nervous system may be affected. Individuals with chronic active schistosomiasis may not complain of typical symptoms. Urinary tract schistosomiasis Urinary tract schistosomiasis is characterized by blood in the urine, pain or difficulty urinating, and frequent urination and are associated with S. haematobium. The loss of blood can lead to iron deficiency anemia. A large percentage of persons, especially children, who are moderately to heavily infected experience urinary tract damage that can lead to blocking of the urinary tract and bladder cancer. Diagnosis Proper diagnosis and treatment may require a tropical disease specialist because the disease can be confused with malaria or typhoid in the early stages. The healthcare provider should do a thorough history of travel in endemic areas.

The rash, if present, can mimic scabies or other rashes, and the gastrointestinal symptoms may be confused with those caused by bacterial illnesses or other intestinal parasites. These other conditions will need to be excluded before an accurate diagnosis can be made. As a result, clinical evidence of exposure to infected water along with physical findings, a negative test for malaria, and an increased number of one type of immune cell, called an eosinophil, are necessary to diagnose acute schistosomiasis. Eggs may be detected in the feces or urine. Repeated stool tests may be required to concentrate and identify the eggs. Blood tests may be used to detect a particular antigen or particle associated with the schistosome that induces an immune response. Persons infected with schistosomiasis may not test positive for six months, and as a result, tests may need to be repeated to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Blood can be detected visually in the urine or with chemical strips that react to small amounts of blood.

Sophisticated imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, computed tomography scan (CT scan), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can detect damage to the blood vessels in the liver and visualize polyps and ulcers of the urinary tract, for example, that occur in the more advanced stages. S. haematobium is difficult to diagnose with ultrasound in pregnant women. Treatment The use of medications against schistosomiasis, such as praziquantel (Biltricide), oxamniquine, and metrifonate, have been shown to be safe and effective. Praziquantel is effective against all forms of schistososmiasis and has few side effects. This drug is given in either two or three doses over the course of a single day. Oxamniquine is typically used in Africa and South America to treat intestinal schistosomiasis. Metrifonate has been found to be safe and effective in the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis. Patients are typically checked for the presence of living eggs at three and six months after treatment. If the number of eggs excreted has not significantly decreased, the patient may require another course of medication.

KEY TERMS Ascites— The condition that occurs when the liver and kidneys are not functioning properly and a clear, straw-colored fluid is excreted by the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Cercariae— The free-living form of the schistosome worm that has a tail, swims, and has suckers on its head for penetration into a host. Miracidium— The form of the schistosome worm that infects freshwater snails. Prognosis If treated early, prognosis is very good and complete recovery is expected. The illness is treatable, but people can die from the effects of untreated schistomiasis. The severity of the disease depends on the number of worms, or worm load, in addition to how long the person has been infected. With treatment, the number of worms can be substantially reduced, and the secondary conditions can be treated. The goal of the World Health Organization is to reduce the severity of the disease rather than to completely stop transmission of the disease. There is, however, little natural immunity to reinfection. Treated individuals do not usually require retreatment for two to five years in areas of low transmission.

The World Health Organization has made research to develop a vaccine against the disease one of its priorities. Prevention Prevention of the disease involves several targets and requires long term community commitment. Infected patients require diagnosis, treatment, and education about how to avoid reinfecting themselves and others. Adequate healthcare facilities need to be available, water systems must be treated to kill the worms and control snail populations, and sanitation must be improved to prevent the spread of the disease. To avoid schistosomiasis in endemic areas: contact the CDC for current health information on travel destinations. upon arrival, ask an informed local authority about the infestation of schistosomiasis before being exposed to freshwater in countries that are likely to have the disease. do not swim, stand, wade, or take baths in untreated water. treat all water used for drinking or bathing. Water can be treated by letting it stand for three days, heating it for five minutes to around 122°F (around 50°C), or filtering or treating water chemically, with chlorine or iodine, as with drinking water. Should accidental exposure occur, infection can be prevented by hastily drying off or applying rubbing alcohol to the exposed area.

Resources ORGANIZATIONS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, Atlanta , GA 30333. (800) 311-3435, (404) 639-3311. 〈〉 . Cite this article Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. MLA (see also: Communicable Disease Control; Tropical Infectious Diseases ) Bibliography Ali El-Garem, A. (1998). "Schistosomiasis." Digestion 59:589–605. Bica, I.; Hamer, D. H.; and Stadecker, M. J. (2000). "Hepatic Schistosomiasis." Infectious Disease Clinics of North America 14(3):583–604. Dunne, D. W.; Hagan, P.; and Abath, F. G. C. (1995). "Prospects for Immunological Control of Schistosomiasis." Lancet 345:1488–1492.

Elliot, D. E. (1996). "Schistosomiasis, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment." Gastroenterology Clinics of North America 25(3):599–625. Lucey, D. R., and Maguire, J. H. (1993). "Schistosomiasis." Infectious Disease Clinics of North America 7(3):635–653. Mostafa, M. H.; Sheweita, S. A.; and O'Connor, P. J. (1999). "Relationship between Shistosomiasis and Bladder Cancer." Clinical Microbiology Reviews 12(1): 97–111. World Health Organization (1993). "The Control of Schistosomiasis: Second Report of the WHO Expert Committee." WHO Technical Report Series 803:1–86. —— (1996). "Schistosomiasis." (Fact Sheet No. 115). Geneva: Author. Cite this article What Is Schistosomiasis?

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that is not directly contagious from person to person. Five types of Schistosoma worm, also called blood flukes, can infest people and cause schistosomiasis: S. mansoni, S. japonicum, S. mekongi, S. intercalatum, and S. haematobium. These parasites have a complex life cycle; they have to go through several separate stages on their way to adulthood, and both snails and humans play important roles in that cycle. Another name for the disease is bilharziasis (bil-har-ZYE-uh-sis) or “snail fever.” The worm starts life as an egg in a freshwater source such as a pond, lake, or stream. It hatches into a larva* , and if the right type of aquatic snails live in that water, the larva will find and enter a snail. There it passes through several stages of development. During the last phase in the snail, the parasite turns into a larva that can swim.

It then leaves the snail and returns to the water, where it may come into contact with a person; the larva can survive in the water for up to 2 days without a human host. When people bathe, wade, swim, or wash clothes in the water, the parasite can burrow into bare skin and enter the bloodstream. Once it is in the blood, it matures into an adult worm. *larva (LAR-vuh) is the immature form of an insect or worm that hatches from an egg. Depending on the species, the female adult worms lay their eggs within blood vessels near the person’s bladder or liver. The eggs gradually move to the urinary tract, liver, and intestines* . Over time, some eggs pass through the urinary tract and intestines and are excreted when the person urinates or has a bowel movement. If feces (excreted waste) from an infested person contaminate a freshwater source such as a pond, the eggs can enter the water and begin the parasite life cycle all over again. How Common Is Schistosomiasis? Schistosomiasis is not seen in the United States .

However, the disease has a major impact on millions of people around the world in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization, more than 200 million people worldwide are infested with the worms, with 20 million of those having serious symptoms. The disease is most common in tropical parts of the world, where it is a leading cause of illness. The parasites that cause schistosomiasis can be found in southern China , parts of the Middle East , and some countries in the Caribbean, South America , Africa, and southeast Asia . People from the United States who travel to those areas sometimes develop schistosomiasis if they swim or wade in tainted water, but they rarely get the severe, chronic* form of the disease. How Do Doctors Diagnose and Treat Schistosomiasis? If the doctor suspects schistosomiasis, he or she will collect a urine or stool (bowel movement) sample to look for the worm’s eggs. Several samples may need to be examined before the worms can be identified.

The doctor also may take a sample of blood for testing, although the blood test may not show evidence of the infestation unless it is done 6 to 8 weeks after the patient’s contact with the parasite. Occasionally, a tissue biopsy* will be done to check for signs of the parasite in organs such as the liver. *biopsy (BI-op-see) is a test in which a small sample of skin or other body tissue is removed and examined for signs of disease. Doctors can prescribe medicine to treat the infestation. Patients usually need to take pills for only 1 to 2 days. Without treatment, and with continued use of the same tainted water source, the illness can last for years. Can Schistosomiasis Cause Complications? People who become re-infested with schistosomiasis again and again over many years can develop damage to the bladder, lungs, intestines, and liver; the disease is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis* in the world. In some cases, scarring of the liver is so severe that blood flowing through the organ becomes partly blocked, causing a condition known as portal hypertension.

Severe portal hypertension can make veins in the esophagus* and stomach swell and bleed, sometimes to the point that the bleeding is fatal. How Can Schistosomiasis Be Prevented? Experts advise that travelers visiting countries where schistosomiasis occurs avoid wading, swimming, or bathing in any body of fresh water such as ponds, rivers, or lakes. Filtering or boiling drinking water for at least 1 minute will kill parasites, including the Schistosoma worms. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends heating bathing water to 150 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 5 minutes to make sure it is free of potential parasites. To reduce the spread of schistosomiasis, health officials focus on educating people who live in areas where the worms are found. They teach the public how the parasites spread and encourage people not to urinate or have bowel movements in rivers and ponds. See also Bilharzia, Causes, Types, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention EditRegion3 - Promote this Page Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasites. Schistosoma is the genus of the several species of flatworms that are responsible for causing this disease.

Schistosomiasis is popularly known as snail fever. Theodor Bilharz was the first to describe the cause of urinary schistosomiasis in 1851, and this disease is also called Bilharzia or Bilharziosis in many countries after him. Causes of Bilharzia This disease mostly affects the tropical countries like Africa , the Caribbean islands, and eastern part of South America , East Asia , and the Middle East . Estimation shows that about 207 million people are suffering from this disease, and about another 120 million are displaying the symptoms. Different types of Schistosomiasis are found in different areas as follows: Schistosoma mansoni—parts of South America and the Caribbean , Africa , and the Middle East Schistosoma haematobium— Africa and the Middle East Schistosoma japonicum— Far East . S. Mekongi and S.

intercalatum are found focally in Southeast Asia and central West Africa , respectively Schistosomiasis is one of the most commonly picked up disease in developing countries which is acquired by swimming in such water bodies that are infested with snails, usually the biomphlaria, bulinus, or the oncomelania types, or which are the carriers of the schistosoma pathogens. Types of Bilharzia Depending on their clinical presentation, different species of schistosomiasis affect different organs of the body.

The five species of flatworms causing schistosomiasis and the area they affect are as follows: Schistosoma mansoni (ICD-10 B65.1)— intestinal schistosomiasis Schistosoma intercalatum (B65.8)—intestinal schistosomiasis Schistosoma haematobium (B65.0)—urinary schistosomiasis Schistosoma japonicum (B65.2)—intestinal schistosomiasis Schistosoma mekongi (B65.8)—intestinal schistosomiasis Symptoms of Bilharzia Since schistosomiasis is chronic in nature, symptoms like mild anemia and malnutrition are common in affected areas. Katayama's fever or acute schistosomiasis has been seen to occur weeks after the patient is infected. This is most true for patients infected with schistosoma mansoni and schistosoma japonicum.

The major symptoms are: Abdominal pain Enlargement of liver and spleen Central nervous system lesions can also occur sometimes Granulomatous reactions and fibrosis in the affected organs can lead to Colonic polyposis with bloody diarrhea mostly in Schistosoma mansoni; Portal hypertension with hematemesis and splenomegaly in Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum; Cystitis and ureteritis with hematuria leading to bladder cancer in Schistosoma haematobium; Pulmonary hypertension in Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum, and even Schistosoma haematobium; Glomerulonephritis; and central nervous system lesions. How is the disease diagnosed? Eggs of the infecting parasite can be identified in the stool or urine of the patient under a microscope. Examination of stool for the identification of the parasites is more common. An egg per gram (epg) is the scientific unit used to measure the eggs in the feces of the affected patient. Stool examination is recommended to patients affected with schistosoma mansoni or schistosoma japonicum; and urine examination for schistosoma haematobium.

Sometimes the Kato-Katz technique (20 to 50 mg of fecal material) or the Ritchie technique is also used for field surveys and investigational purposes. A team led by Dr. Russell Stothard, head of the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative at the Natural History Museum , London , recently conducted a field evaluation, which reported that even if stool or urine examinations are negative, a tissue biopsy might reveal eggs. Detection of antibody might as well be useful for epidemiological surveys as well as clinical research and management. Treatment of Bilharzia Schistosomiasis can be successfully treated using an oral drug Praziquantel. Though a single dose of this drug can cure the infection, it is not effective in preventing re-infection of the patient, which is highly probable in an affected area. Researches are presently being carried on to develop a vaccine for this disease. The toxic metalloid, antimony was initially used in low doses to treat schistosomiasis, but this is not used in present days. Another drug called Oxamniquine is used outside the U.S to treat Schistosoma mansoni.

Investigations are being carried on a new Egyptian drug, Mirazid for the treatment of this disease. Other forms of oral medication that are being experimented with are medicinal castor oil, Gopo Berry (by Dr Chidzere of Zimbabwe in 1980s), etc. Prevention of Bilharzia A few countries have eradicated the disease, and many more are working towards it. The World Health Organization is promoting efforts working towards this goal. In some cases, urbanization, pollution, and/or consequent destruction of snail habitat has reduced exposure, with a subsequent decrease in new infections. Avoiding snails Acrolein, copper sulfate, and niclosamide can be used to eliminate the fresh-water snails that cause the disease. Crayfish breeding can also be helpful for the purpose though it must be done with caution. Avoiding water bodies previously detected with snails. Use of sapindus plant(Phytolacca dodecandra) to prevent the disease by controlling snails. Aklilu Lemma and Legesse Wolde-Yohannes received the Right Livelihood Award in 1989 for their research.

Proper civic designs Better plans and designs while creating dams and irrigation schemes can prevent this disease from spreading among the nearby population. Properly designed Campaigns Egypt is an example of how a wrongly designed campaign can give rise to further complications. Since Egypt had the highest rate of schistosomiasis infected patients due to its large number of canals and dams built along river Nile, a campaign was carried out to give shots of tartar emetics to the patients from late 1950s till the early 1980s.Unfortunately however, instead of controlling one disease, this led to the spread of Hepatitis C virus through unclean needles. This proves the necessity of proper campaigns. WHO | Schistosomiasis Schistosomiasis Key facts Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease caused by parasitic worms. People are infected during routine agricultural, domestic, occupational, and recreational activities, which expose them to infested water. Lack of hygiene and certain play habits of school-aged children such as swimming or fishing in infested water make them especially vulnerable to infection.

Schistosomiasis control focuses on reducing disease through periodic, large-scale population treatment with praziquantel; a more comprehensive approach including potable water, adequate sanitation, and snail control would also reduce transmission. Estimates show that at least 218 million people required preventive treatment for schistosomiasis in 2015. More than 66.5 million people were reported to have been treated for schistosomiasis in 2015. Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma. Estimates show that at least 218 million people required preventive treatment in 2015. Preventive treatment, which should be repeated over a number of years, will reduce and prevent morbidity. Schistosomiasis transmission has been reported from 78 countries. However, preventive chemotherapy for schistosomiasis, where people and communities are targeted for large-scale treatment, is only required in 52 endemic countries with moderate-to-high transmission.

Infection and transmission People become infected when larval forms of the parasite – released by freshwater snails – penetrate the skin during contact with infested water. Transmission occurs when people suffering from schistosomiasis contaminate freshwater sources with their excreta containing parasite eggs, which hatch in water. In the body, the larvae develop into adult schistosomes. Adult worms live in the blood vessels where the females release eggs. Some of the eggs are passed out of the body in the faeces or urine to continue the parasite’s lifecycle. Others become trapped in body tissues, causing immune reactions and progressive damage to organs. Epidemiology Schistosomiasis is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, especially in poor communities without access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. It is estimated that at least 90% of those requiring treatment for schistosomiasis live in Africa. There are 2 major forms of schistosomiasis – intestinal and urogenital – caused by 5 main species of blood fluke.

Table: Parasite species and geographical distribution of schistosomiasis Species Schistosoma haematobium Africa, the Middle East, Corsica (France) Schistosomiasis mostly affects poor and rural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing populations. Women doing domestic chores in infested water, such as washing clothes, are also at risk. Inadequate hygiene and contact with infected water make children especially vulnerable to infection. Migration to urban areas and population movements are introducing the disease to new areas. Increasing population size and the corresponding needs for power and water often result in development schemes, and environmental modifications facilitate transmission. With the rise in eco-tourism and travel “off the beaten track”, increasing numbers of tourists are contracting schistosomiasis. At times, tourists present severe acute infection and unusual problems including paralysis. Urogenital schistosomiasis is also considered to be a risk factor for HIV infection, especially in women. Symptoms Symptoms of schistosomiasis are caused by the body’s reaction to the worms' eggs. Intestinal schistosomiasis can result in abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and blood in the stool.

Liver enlargement is common in advanced cases, and is frequently associated with an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity and hypertension of the abdominal blood vessels. In such cases there may also be enlargement of the spleen. The classic sign of urogenital schistosomiasis is haematuria (blood in urine). Fibrosis of the bladder and ureter, and kidney damage are sometimes diagnosed in advanced cases. Bladder cancer is another possible complication in the later stages. In women, urogenital schistosomiasis may present with genital lesions, vaginal bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse, and nodules in the vulva. In men, urogenital schistosomiasis can induce pathology of the seminal vesicles, prostate, and other organs. This disease may also have other long-term irreversible consequences, including infertility. The economic and health effects of schistosomiasis are considerable and the disease disables more than it kills. In children, schistosomiasis can cause anaemia, stunting and a reduced ability to learn, although the effects are usually reversible with treatment.

Chronic schistosomiasis may affect people’s ability to work and in some cases can result in death.1 The number of deaths due to schistosomiasis is difficult to estimate because of hidden pathologies such as liver and kidney failure and bladder cancer. WHO estimates that there are about 200 000 deaths globally each year due to schistosomiasis. Diagnosis Schistosomiasis is diagnosed through the detection of parasite eggs in stool or urine specimens. Antibodies and/or antigens detected in blood or urine samples are also indications of infection. For urogenital schistosomiasis, a filtration technique using nylon, paper or polycarbonate filters is the standard diagnostic technique. Children with S. haematobium almost always have microscopic blood in their urine which can be detected by chemical reagent strips. The eggs of intestinal schistosomiasis can be detected in faecal specimens through a technique using methylene blue-stained cellophane soaked in glycerine or glass slides, known as the Kato-Katz technique.

For people living in non-endemic or low-transmission areas, serological and immunological tests may be useful in showing exposure to infection and the need for thorough examination, treatment and follow-up. Prevention and control The control of schistosomiasis is based on large-scale treatment of at-risk population groups, access to safe water, improved sanitation, hygiene education, and snail control. The WHO strategy for schistosomiasis control focuses on reducing disease through periodic, targeted treatment with praziquantel through the large-scale treatment (preventive chemotherapy) of affected populations. It involves regular treatment of all at-risk groups. In a few countries, where there is low transmission, the elimination of the disease should be aimed for. Groups targeted for treatment are: School-aged children in endemic areas. Adults considered to be at risk in endemic areas, and people with occupations involving contact with infested water, such as fishermen, farmers, irrigation workers, and women whose domestic tasks bring them in contact with infested water. Entire communities living in highly endemic areas. The frequency of treatment is determined by the prevalence of infection in school-age children. In high-transmission areas, treatment may have to be repeated every year for a number of years.

Monitoring is essential to determine the impact of control interventions. The aim is to reduce disease morbidity and transmission: periodic treatment of at-risk populations will cure mild symptoms and prevent infected people from developing severe, late-stage chronic disease. However, a major limitation to schistosomiasis control has been the limited availability of praziquantel. Data for 2015 show that 28.2% of people requiring treatment were reached globally, with a proportion of 42.2% of school aged children requiring preventive chemotherapy for schistosomiasis being treated. Praziquantel is the recommended treatment against all forms of schistosomiasis. It is effective, safe, and low-cost. Even though re-infection may occur after treatment, the risk of developing severe disease is diminished and even reversed when treatment is initiated and repeated in childhood. Schistosomiasis control has been successfully implemented over the past 40 years in several countries, including Brazil, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Mauritius, Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia. There is evidence that schistosomiasis transmission was interrupted in Morocco.

In Burkina Faso, Niger, Sierra Leone and Yemen, it has been possible to scale up schistosomiasis treatment to the national level and have an impact on the disease in a few years. An assessment of the status of transmission is being made in several countries. Over the past 10 years, there has been scale-up of treatment campaigns in a number of sub-Saharan countries, where most of those at risk live. WHO response WHO’s work on schistosomiasis is part of an integrated approach to the control of neglected tropical diseases. Although medically diverse, neglected tropical diseases share features that allow them to persist in conditions of poverty, where they cluster and frequently overlap. WHO coordinates the strategy of preventive chemotherapy in consultation with collaborating centres and partners from academic and research institutions, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, international development agencies, and other United Nations organizations. WHO develops technical guidelines and tools for use by national control programmes. Working with partners and the private sector, WHO has advocated for increased access to praziquantel and resources for implementation.

A significant amount of praziquantel, to treat more than 100 million children of the school age per year, has been pledged by the private sector and development partners. Schistosomiasis | definition of schistosomiasis by Medical dictionary Schistosomiasis | definition of schistosomiasis by Medical dictionary Definition Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharziasis or snail fever , is a primarily tropical parasitic disease caused by the larvae of one or more of five types of flatworms or blood flukes known as schistosomes. The name bilharziasis comes from Theodor Bilharz, a German pathologist, who identified the worms in 1851. Description Infections associated with worms present some of the most universal health problems in the world. In fact, only malaria accounts for more diseases than schistosomiasis. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 200 million people are infected and 120 million display symptoms. Another 600 million people are at risk of infection.

Schistosomes are prevalent in rural and outlying city areas of 74 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In Central China and Egypt, the disease poses a major health risk. There are five species of schistosomes that are prevalent in different areas of the world and produce somewhat different symptoms: Schistosoma mansoni is widespread in Africa, the Eastern-Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and South America and can only infect humans and rodents. S. mekongi is prevalent only in the Mekong river basin in Asia. S. japonicum is limited to China and the Philippines and can infect other mammals, in addition to humans, such as pigs, dogs, and water buffalos. As a result, it can be harder to control disease caused by this species. S. intercalatum is found in central Africa. S. haematobium occurs predominantly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Intestinal schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma japonicum, S. mekongi, S. mansoni, and S. intercalatum, can lead to serious complications of the liver and spleen. Urinary schistosomiasis is caused by S. haematobium.

It is difficult to know how many individuals die of schistomiasis each year because death certificates and patient records seldom identify schistosomiasis as the primary cause of death. Mortality estimates vary related to the type of schistosome infection but is generally low, for example, 2.4 of 100,000 die each year from infection with S. mansoni. Causes and symptoms All five species are contracted in the same way, through direct contact with fresh water infested with the free-living form of the parasite known as cercariae. The building of dams, irrigation systems, and reservoirs, and the movements of refugee groups introduce and spread schistosomiasis. Eggs are excreted in human urine and feces and, in areas with poor sanitation, contaminate freshwater sources. The eggs break open to release a form of the parasite called miracidium. Freshwater snails become infested with the miracidium, which multiply inside the snail and mature into multiple cercariae that the snail ejects into the water.

The cercariae, which survive outside a host for 48 hours, quickly penetrate unbroken skin, the lining of the mouth, or the gastrointestinal tract. Once inside the human body, the worms penetrate the wall of the nearest vein and travel to the liver where they grow and sexually mature. Mature male and female worms pair and migrate either to the intestines or the bladder where egg production occurs. One female worm may lay an average of 200 to 2,000 eggs per day for up to twenty years. Most eggs leave the blood stream and body through the intestines. Some of the eggs are not excreted, however, and can lodge in the tissues. It is the presence of these eggs, rather than the worms themselves, that causes the disease. Early symptoms of infection Many individuals do not experience symptoms. If present, it usually takes four to six weeks for symptoms to appear. The first symptom of the disease may be a general ill feeling. Within twelve hours of infection, an individual may complain of a tingling sensation or light rash, commonly referred to as "swimmer's itch," due to irritation at the point of entrance. The rash that may develop can mimic scabies and other types of rashes .

Other symptoms can occur two to ten weeks later and can include fever, aching, cough , diarrhea, or gland enlargement. These symptoms can also be related to avian schistosomiasis, which does not cause any further symptoms in humans. Katayama fever Another primary condition, called Katayama fever, may also develop from infection with these worms, and it can be very difficult to recognize. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, the eruption of pale temporary bumps associated with severe itching (urticarial) rash, liver and spleen enlargement, and bronchospasm. Intestinal schistosomiasis In intestinal schistosomiasis, eggs become lodged in the intestinal wall and cause an immune system reaction called a granulomatous reaction. This immune response can lead to obstruction of the colon and blood loss. The infected individual may have what appears to be a potbelly. Eggs can also become lodged in the liver, leading to high blood pressure through the liver, enlarged spleen, the buildup of fluid in the abdomen ( ascites ), and potentially life-threatening dilations or swollen areas in the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract that can tear and bleed profusely (esophageal varices).

Rarely, the central nervous system may be affected. Individuals with chronic active schistosomiasis may not complain of typical symptoms. Urinary tract schistosomiasis Urinary tract schistosomiasis is characterized by blood in the urine, pain or difficulty urinating, and frequent urination and are associated with S. haematobium. The loss of blood can lead to iron deficiency anemia . A large percentage of persons, especially children, who are moderately to heavily infected experience urinary tract damage that can lead to blocking of the urinary tract and bladder cancer . Diagnosis Proper diagnosis and treatment may require a tropical disease specialist because the disease can be confused with malaria or typhoid in the early stages. The healthcare provider should do a thorough history of travel in endemic areas. The rash, if present, can mimic scabies or other rashes, and the gastrointestinal symptoms may be confused with those caused by bacterial illnesses or other intestinal parasites. These other conditions will need to be excluded before an accurate diagnosis can be made.

As a result, clinical evidence of exposure to infected water along with physical findings, a negative test for malaria, and an increased number of one type of immune cell, called an eosinophil, are necessary to diagnose acute schistosomiasis. Eggs may be detected in the feces or urine. Repeated stool tests may be required to concentrate and identify the eggs. Blood tests may be used to detect a particular antigen or particle associated with the schistosome that induces an immune response. Persons infected with schistosomiasis may not test positive for six months, and as a result, tests may need to be repeated to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Blood can be detected visually in the urine or with chemical strips that react to small amounts of blood. Sophisticated imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, computed tomography scan (CT scan), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can detect damage to the blood vessels in the liver and visualize polyps and ulcers of the urinary tract, for example, that occur in the more advanced stages. S. haematobium is difficult to diagnose with ultrasound in pregnant women.

Treatment The use of medications against schistosomiasis, such as praziquantel (Biltricide), oxamniquine, and metrifonate, have been shown to be safe and effective. Praziquantel is effective against all forms of schistososmiasis and has few side effects. This drug is given in either two or three doses over the course of a single day. Oxamniquine is typically used in Africa and South America to treat intestinal schistosomiasis. Metrifonate has been found to be safe and effective in the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis. Patients are typically checked for the presence of living eggs at three and six months after treatment. If the number of eggs excreted has not significantly decreased, the patient may require another course of medication. Key terms Ascites — The condition that occurs when the liver and kidneys are not functioning properly and a clear, straw-colored fluid is excreted by the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Cercariae — The free-living form of the schistosome worm that has a tail, swims, and has suckers on its head for penetration into a host.

Miracidium — The form of the schistosome worm that infects freshwater snails. Prognosis If treated early, prognosis is very good and complete recovery is expected. The illness is treatable, but people can die from the effects of untreated schistomiasis. The severity of the disease depends on the number of worms, or worm load, in addition to how long the person has been infected. With treatment, the number of worms can be substantially reduced, and the secondary conditions can be treated. The goal of the World Health Organization is to reduce the severity of the disease rather than to completely stop transmission of the disease. There is, however, little natural immunity to reinfection. Treated individuals do not usually require retreatment for two to five years in areas of low transmission. The World Health Organization has made research to develop a vaccine against the disease one of its priorities. Prevention Prevention of the disease involves several targets and requires long term community commitment. Infected patients require diagnosis, treatment, and education about how to avoid reinfecting themselves and others. Adequate healthcare facilities need to be available, water systems must be treated to kill the worms and control snail populations, and sanitation must be improved to prevent the spread of the disease.

To avoid schistosomiasis in endemic areas: contact the CDC for current health information on travel destinations. upon arrival, ask an informed local authority about the infestation of schistosomiasis before being exposed to freshwater in countries that are likely to have the disease. do not swim, stand, wade, or take baths in untreated water. treat all water used for drinking or bathing. Water can be treated by letting it stand for three days, heating it for five minutes to around 122°F (around 50°C), or filtering or treating water chemically, with chlorine or iodine, as with drinking water. Should accidental exposure occur, infection can be prevented by hastily drying off or applying rubbing alcohol to the exposed area. Resources Organizations Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30333. (800) 311-3435, (404) 639-3311. schistosomiasis [shis″-, skis″to-so-mi´ahsis] infection with flukes of the genus Schistosoma ; called also bilharziasis .

The disease is rare in North America, but is a significant health problem in many parts of the world, including the Middle East, Africa, East Asia, South America, and the Caribbean. Different species cause different forms of the disease: S. mansoni and S. japonicum produce intestinal symptoms, while S. haematobium produces hematuria and other urinary symptoms. The early stages of acute infection with S. japonicum produce katayama fever , a serum sickness–like illness. Initial treatment includes correction of anemia and other nutritional disorders caused by the parasites; definitive treatment may be delayed until acute symptoms subside. Anthelmintic medications are administered, such as oxamniquine or praziquantel . Improvement in sanitation and snail control are the chief preventive measures.

schis·to·so·mi·a·sis (shis', skis'tō-sō-mī'ă-sis), Infection with a species of Schistosoma; manifestations of this often chronic and debilitating disease vary with the infecting species but depend in large measure on tissue reaction (granulation and fibrosis) to the eggs deposited in venules and in the hepatic portals, the latter resulting in portal hypertension and esophageal varices, as well as liver damage leading to cirrhosis. See: tropic diseases . (shĭs′tə-sə-mī′ə-sĭs) n. pl. schistosomia·ses (-sēz′) Any of various chiefly tropical diseases caused by infestation with schistosomes and usually acquired through contact with contaminated water, characterized by gradual destruction of the tissues of the kidneys, liver, and other organs. Also called bilharzia, bilharziasis, snail fever.

schistosomiasis [shis′təsōmī′əsis] Etymology: Gk, schistos + soma + osis, condition a parasitic infection caused by a species of fluke of the genus Schistosoma. It is transmitted to humans, the definitive host, by contact with water containing the infective stage of the parasite, the cercaria. A single fluke may live in one part of the body, depositing eggs frequently, for up to 20 years. The eggs are irritating to mucous membrane, causing it to thicken and become papillomatous. Symptoms depend on the part of the body infected. Schistosoma may be found in the bladder, rectum, liver, lungs, spleen, intestines, and portal venous system. Pain, obstruction, dysfunction of the affected organ, and anemia may result. Diagnosis requires morphological identification of the ova or the parasite. Depending on the species, treatment may be with praziquantel, oxamniquine, or metrifonate. Prevention is more effective.

Proper disposal of human urine and feces, chlorination of water, and eradication of the intermediate host, the freshwater snail Australorbis glabratus, are totally effective. Second only to malaria in the number of people affected, schistosomiasis is particularly prevalent in the tropics and in Asia. Also called bilharziasis . See also blood fluke, Schistosoma. schistosomiasis Bilharziasis A parasitic infection by a trematode acquired from infested water, which can live in humans, producing liver, bladder, and GI disease schis·to·so·mi·a·sis (skis'tō-sō-mī'ă-sis) Infection with a species of Schistosoma; manifestations of this often chronic and debilitating disease vary with the infecting species but depend in large measure on tissue reaction (granulation and fibrosis) to the eggs deposited in venules and in the hepatic portal system, the latter resulting in portal hypertension and esophageal varices, as well as liver damage leading to cirrhosis.

See also: schistosomal dermatitis schistosomiasis A parasitic worm disease common in most tropical countries and acquired during immersion in water contaminated with the larval forms of schistosome worms, such as Schistosoma mansoni . These penetrate the skin and travel to the veins of the bowel, bladder, liver and other organs where they grow to adult size-1 to 2.5 cm. Worm eggs are excreted in urine and faeces. Late complications of schistosomiasis include CYSTITIS , loss of normal bladder function, bladder stones, cancer of the bladder, kidney failure and CIRRHOSIS of the liver. Some species of schistosomes can cause bowel and liver upset and may involve the nervous system to cause epilepsy, paralysis, coma and death. Schistosomiasis can be avoiding by staying out of water which might be contaminated with human excreta. The drug praziquantel will kill the adult worms. The name derives from the fact that the body of the adult male worm is effectively split longitudinally to form a ‘gynaecophoric canal’ in which the female worm usually lies.

schistosomiasis schis·to·so·mi·a·sis (skis'tō-sō-mī'ă-sis) Infection with a species of Schistosoma can elicit portal hypertension and esophageal varices, as well as liver damage leading to cirrhosis. schistosomiasis (shis´tōsōmī´əsis), Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) - NHS Choices Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) Schistosomiasis Introduction Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is an infection caused by a parasitic worm that lives in fresh water in subtropical and tropical regions. The parasite is most commonly found throughout Africa, but also lives in parts of South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Asia. The Travel Health Pro website has a map of where schistosomiasis is found . You often don't have any symptoms when you first become infected with schistosomiasis, but the parasite can remain in the body for many years and cause damage to organs such as the bladder, kidneys and liver.

The infection can be easily treated with a short course of medicine, so see your GP if you think you might have it. This page covers: The worms that cause schistosomiasis live in fresh water, such as: ponds reservoirs canals Showers that take unfiltered water directly from lakes or rivers may also spread the infection, but the worms aren't found in the sea, chlorinated swimming pools or properly treated water supplies. You can become infected if you come into contact with contaminated water – for example, when paddling, swimming or washing – and the tiny worms burrow into your skin. Once in your body, the worms move through your blood to areas such as the liver and bowel. After a few weeks, the worms start to lay eggs. Some eggs remain inside the body and are attacked by the immune system, while some are passed out in the person's urine or poo. Without treatment, the worms can keep laying eggs for several years. If the eggs pass out of the body into water, they release tiny larvae that need to grow inside freshwater snails for a few weeks before they're able to infect another person. This means it's not possible to catch the infection from someone else who has it.

Symptoms of schistosomiasis Many people with schistosomiasis don't have any symptoms, or don't experience any for several months or even years. You probably won't notice that you've been infected, although occasionally people get small, itchy red bumps on their skin for a few days where the worms burrowed in. After a few weeks, some people develop: a high temperature (fever) above 38C (100.4F) an itchy, red, blotchy and raised rash abdominal (tummy) pain a general sense of feeling unwell These symptoms, known as acute schistosomiasis, often get better by themselves within a few weeks. But it's still important to get treated because the parasite can remain in your body and lead to long-term problems (see below). Long-term problems caused by schistosomiasis Some people with schistosomiasis, regardless of whether they had any initial symptoms or not, eventually develop more serious problems in parts of the body the eggs have travelled to. This is known as chronic schistosomiasis.

Chronic schistosomiasis can include a range of symptoms and problems, depending on the exact area that's infected. For example, an infection in the: digestive system can cause anaemia , abdominal pain and swelling, diarrhoea and blood in your poo urinary system can cause irritation of the bladder ( cystitis ), pain when peeing, a frequent need to pee, and blood in your urine heart and lungs can cause a persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing up blood nervous system or brain can cause seizures (fits), headaches , weakness and numbness in your legs, and dizziness Without treatment, affected organs can become permanently damaged. When to seek medical advice Visit your GP if you develop the symptoms above and you've travelled in parts of the world where schistosomiasis is found, or if you're concerned that you may have been exposed to the parasites while travelling. Tell your GP about your travel history and whether you think you may have been exposed to potentially contaminated water. If your GP suspects schistosomiasis, they may refer you to an expert in tropical diseases. The diagnosis is usually made by testing a sample of your blood.

In some cases, eggs may be seen in a sample or your urine or poo. Treatments for schistosomiasis Schistosomiasis can usually be treated successfully with a short course of a medication called praziquantel, that kills the worms. Praziquantel is most effective once the worms have grown a bit, so treatment may be delayed until eight weeks after you were infected, or repeated again after this time. Steroid medication can also be used to help relieve the symptoms of acute schistosomiasis, or symptoms caused by damage to the brain or nervous system. Preventing schistosomiasis There's no vaccine for schistosomiasis, so it's important to be aware of the risks and take precautions to avoid exposure to contaminated water. You can check whether the area you're visiting is known to have a problem with schistosomiasis using Travel Health Pro's country information section .

If you're visiting one of these areas: avoid paddling, swimming and washing in fresh water – only swim in the sea or chlorinated swimming pools take waterproof trousers and boots with you if there's a chance you'll need to cross a stream or river boil or filter water before drinking – as the parasites could burrow into your lips or mouth if you drink contaminated water avoid medicines sold locally that are advertised to treat or prevent schistosomiasis – these are often either fake, substandard, ineffective or not given at the correct dosage don't rely on assurances from hotels, tourist boards or similar that a particular stretch of water is safe – there have been reports of some organisations downplaying the risks Applying insect repellent to your skin or quickly drying yourself with a towel after getting out of the water aren't reliable ways of preventing infection, although it's a good idea to dry yourself as soon as possible if you're accidentally exposed to potentially contaminated water. There's some evidence that applying insect repellent containing 50% DEET to exposed areas each night after showering kills the parasite in the skin before it moves deeper into the body. Page last reviewed: 06/01/2016

Question: What is another name for bilharzia?
Answer: Snail fever