9.5. Travel Related Infection - Schistosomiasis

Question 1

What are the 3 organisms responsible for Schistosomiasis?

Answer 1

1. S. Haematobium
2. S. Mansoni
3. S. Japonicum

Question 2

What are the 2 types of Schistosomiasis?

Answer 2

1. Hepatic / Intestinal
2. Urinary

Question 3

Where are cases of Schistosomiasis located?

Answer 3

In the central belt of the world:
1. South America
2. Africa
3. South Asia

Question 4

What is the life cycle of Schistosomiasis, in the water?

Answer 4

1. In the water, eggs hatch of the causative organism, releasing Miracidia
2. Miracidia penetrate the Snail Tissue, and form Sporocysts in the Snail
3. Cercaria (containing organism) is released by the snail - this has a tail and is free swimming
4. This penetrates the Skin,

Question 5

What is the life cycle of Schistosomiasis, in the human?

Answer 5

1. After penetrating the Skin, where the tail is lost, forming a Schistosomulae
2. The Schistosomulae circulate and migrate to the Hepatic Portal Blood System
3. Paired worms migrate and lay eggs in the Bowel / Bladder
4. Urine travels to the Water

Question 6

What are the clinical features of Schistosomiasis, in the first few hours?

Answer 6

Swimmers Itch
Note - this clears after 24-48 hours

Question 7

What are the clinical features of Schistosomiasis, in the invasive stage?

Answer 7

1. Cough
2. Abdominal Discomfort
3. Splenomegally
4. Eosinophilia

Question 8

As a result of Schistosomiasis, what can develop after 15-20 days?

Answer 8

Katayama Fever

Question 9

What is the clinical features of Katayama Fever?

Answer 9

1. Fever
2. Urticaria
3. Lymphadenopathy
4. Splenomegally
5. Diarrhoea
6. Eosinophilia

Question 10

As a result of Schistosomiasis, what can develop after 6-8 weeks?

Answer 10

Acute Disease

Question 11

What are the clinical features of Acute Schistosomiasis?

Answer 11

Eggs are deposited in the bowel (causing Dysentery) or the bladder (causing Haematuria)

Question 12

How is Schistosomiasis diagnosed?

Answer 12

1. Clinical
2. Antibody Test
3. Ova in stools and Urine
4. Rectal Snip

Question 13

What is the treatment for Schistosomiasis?

Answer 13

1. Praziquantel
2. Prednisolone (if severe)