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Schistosomiasis
Alternate Names : Bilharzia, Blood Fluke, Katayama Fever, Swimmer's Itch
DefinitionSchistosomiasis is an infection caused by one of the five species of the parasite, Schistosoma.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Schistosoma infections are contracted 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 the anatomic area of its preference, depending on which species is involved. Likely areas include the bladder, rectum, intestines, liver, portal venous system, spleen, and lungs.
Schistosomiasis is not usually found in the United States. However, it is prevalent in many tropical or subtropical areas, and it is a common illness thought to affect more than 200 million people.
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• Definition
• Schistosomiasis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Schistosomiasis Symptoms & Signs
• Schistosomiasis Prevention
• Schistosomiasis Diagnosis & Tests
• Schistosomiasis Treatment
• Schistosomiasis Prognosis
• Schistosomiasis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Chronic Renal Failure
• Cor Pulmonale
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
Tests & Exams
• Stool Ova and Parasites Exam
• Urinalysis
Other Topics
• Fever
• Itching
• Rashes
• Seizures
Review Date : 8/14/2002
Reviewed By : Donna R. Cooper, MD, MPH. Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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