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Schistosomiasis

Frederick W. Nielson, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Flatworm infection (trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma.

  • Commonly presents as a swimmer’s itch and maculopapular rash.

  • Considered to be a neglected tropical disease.

  • Katayama fever (ac...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Infections are frequently asymptomatic.

  • Travel history to endemic areas increased likelihood of infection.

  • Diagnosis may be made in migrants from endemic regions so clinicians caring fo...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

WHO recommends periodic mass treatment to reduce morbidity in highly endemic areas. However, this may be no more effective than targeted delivery. 

MEDICATION

First Line

  • Praziqu...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Repeat dosing is needed to eradicate younger parasites. Average deworming response is 60–90% with a single treatment.

  • For those living in endemic regions, there is...

REFERENCES

1
Colley  DG, Bustinduy  AL, Secor  WE, et al. Human schistosomiasis. Lancet.  2014;383(9936):2253–2264. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]
2
...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Castro-Borges W, Wilson RA. Schistosome proteomics: updates and clinical implications. Expert Rev Proteomics. 2022. doi: 10.1080/14789450.2022.2142565. PMID: 36...

CODES

ICD10

  • B65.9 Schistosomiasis, unspecified

  • B65.1 Schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma mansoni

  • B65.2 Schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma japonicum

  • B65.8 Other schistosomiasis

  • B65.0 Schistosomiasis due to S...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Suspect schistosomiasis in travelers to endemic areas presenting with symptoms of Katayama fever (malaise, abdominal pain, fatigue, myalgias).

  • Schistosomiasis may present as “swimmer’s ...

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