Schistosomiasis

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a tropical parasitic disease, caused by blood-dwelling worms of the genus Schistosoma. The main human species are S mansoni (occurring in Africa and South America) and S japonicum (South and East Asia) causing intestinal and hepatosplenic schistosomiasis, and S haematobium (Africa) causing urinary schistosomiasis. Severe symptoms develop in predilected people with heavy and long-standing infections. Acute schistosomiasis, a flulike syndrome, is a regular finding in travel clinics. Although prevalences can be high, most infected people show limited, intermittent, or aspecific symptoms. The diagnosis of schistosomiasis relies on microscopic examination of stools or urine, serologic tests, and imaging. Praziquantel is the drug of choice, active against all species in a single or a few oral doses. Current control strategies consist mainly of preventive therapy in communities or groups at risk.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Schistosomiasis Among Children in Northern Senegal

“…6 Children aged between 5 and 15 years have a higher infection rate, with a consequent reduction in the adult population. 3,[7][8][9][10] The reported risk of infection was higher in women, 5 but in other studies, 11,12 male children were more likely to be infected than female children were. [8][9][10] Socio-economic status, level of education, and untreated water and sanitation were associated with transmission of the pathogens.…”

“…These tools are easy and inexpensive for rapid screening in endemic areas. 7 The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends questionnaires as the first step in controlling schistosomiasis. 13,18 The intervention strategies for this disease are safe water, hygiene, education and preventive treatment with praziquantel.…”

Ectopic forms of schistosomiasis mansoni in the second macroregion of Alagoas: case series report and review of the literature

“…Lesions may also represent a risk factor for infections due to sexually transmitted diseases, especially human immunodeficiency virus and human papilloma virus 13,15,17 . In the ectopic form of schistosomiasis involving the uterine cervix, postcoital, intermenstrual and post-menstrual bleeding, vaginal discharge and dysmenorrhea can occur -signs that are not direct consequences of schistosomiasis but result from its association with cervicitis (Figure 2A) 18 .…”

There will be an answer; let it bleed

“…18,19 Geographically, schistosomiasis is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, but also the Middle East, South America, the Caribbean, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. According to the World Health Organization, 200 million people are infected worldwide, and the infection rates are higher in children than in adults; 200,000 deaths annually are attributable to schistosomiasis.…”

“…According to the World Health Organization, 200 million people are infected worldwide, and the infection rates are higher in children than in adults; 200,000 deaths annually are attributable to schistosomiasis. [18][19][20] Acute schistosomiasis (AS), or Katayama fever, is seen mostly in travelers after primary infection. Typically, the illness is a result of a systemic hypersensitivity reaction against the migrating schistosomulae, occurring a few weeks to months after a primary infection.…”