Schistosomiasis is an infection caused by one of the five species of the parasite, Schistosoma.
Alternative Names
Bilharzia; Katayama fever; Swimmer's itch; Blood fluke
Causes, incidence, and 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.
Expectations (prognosis)
Treatment before significant damage or severe complications usually produces good results.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you have traveled to an area where the disease is known to exist, have had exposure to contaminated or suspect bodies of water, or have developed symptoms suggestive of schistosomiasis.