SCHISTOSOMIASIS

DEFINITION

 Schistosomiasis is a disease that is caused by parasites

(genus Schistosoma) that enter humans by attaching to the skin,
penetrating it, and then migrating through the venous system to
the portal veins where the parasites produce eggs and
eventually, the symptoms of acute or chronic disease (for
example, abdominal discomfort, blood in stools).

MODE OF 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.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

 Abdominal pain,
 Diarrhea
 Blood in the stool
 Liver / Spleen enlargement
 Haematuria (blood in urine) is the CLASSIC SIGN

SCREENING TESTS

 KATO-KATS – is a laboratory method for preparing human stools samples prior to searching
parasite eggs
 URINE FILTRATION METHOD – test for presence of S. HAEMATOBIUM
 BLOOD TESTS – are occasionally useful in supporting the diagnosis or assessing the severity of
schistosomal infection

COMMON METHODS OF PREVENTION AND CONTROL

 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 (medication).
 It involves regular treatment of all at-risk groups. In a few countries, where there is low
transmission, the interruption of the transmission of the disease should be aimed for.