Schistosomiasis and International Travel

Abstract

Infection with Schistosoma species is acquired by exposure to fresh water that harbors cercariae released by infected snails. Although the route of infection is clear, clinical presentation of the established infection in the nonimmune tourist typically differs from that in the local population of areas of endemicity. For the health care practitioner, the traveler's syndrome presents distinctive management problems: water-transmitted bacterial and viral infections may coexist, and identification of the stage of disease at presentation, along with identification of the causative species, will maximize treatment options. Travel medicine clinics serve as epidemiological antennae, helping to identify the dynamics of species transmission in geographically distinct areas. Education of persons traveling to areas of endemicity and the development of mechanical protection against exposure are needed.

Schistosomiasis

“…This medicine is effective to eliminate adult worms in the initial phase (5-6 weeks) in S. mansoni and S. japonicum, as well as 10-12 weeks in S. haematobium, but not for its schistosomulae. 9 The reccomended dose for Praziquantel is 40 mg/kgBW single dose, or 50 mg/kgBW in S. japonicum infections. 9 A newer study showed that anti-malarial medicine like artemisinin, mefloquine, and trioxolane derivate, can also be used as antischistosoma.…”

“…9 The reccomended dose for Praziquantel is 40 mg/kgBW single dose, or 50 mg/kgBW in S. japonicum infections. 9 A newer study showed that anti-malarial medicine like artemisinin, mefloquine, and trioxolane derivate, can also be used as antischistosoma. Thesse medicine will be more effective in combination with Praziquantel.…”

“…The skin lession nomenclature of schistosomiasis is micropapular rash, also known as "swimer itch", which will subside within 48 hours after contact with water. 9 Three to eight weeks after cercariae penetrates the skin, patients will complain of symptoms such as fever, dry cough, fatigue, and headache, accompanied with an increase of eosinophil counts, also called Katayama fever or Katayama syndrome. 9 In some acute cases of infection, fever could reach up to more than 39°C, accompanied with cough and fatigue.…”

“…9 Three to eight weeks after cercariae penetrates the skin, patients will complain of symptoms such as fever, dry cough, fatigue, and headache, accompanied with an increase of eosinophil counts, also called Katayama fever or Katayama syndrome. 9 In some acute cases of infection, fever could reach up to more than 39°C, accompanied with cough and fatigue. The marker of acute immune response can be seen by the increase of blood sedimentation, C reactive protein (CRP), and amyloid serum.…”

“…CT scan would also show opacity in the liver and lungs. 9,10 These conditions are caused by patients immune response against parasite antigen (cercariae, schistosomulae, adult worms, and eggs).…”