Schistosomiasis Flashcards
What is schistosomiasis?
Disease caused by flat worm
What type of organism causes schistosomiasis?
What is its name?
Parasitic flatworm - Helminth’s
Schistosomes
What stain is used for blood film in schistosomiasis?
ZN stain (acid-fast stain)
Transmission of schistosomiasis
Through unprotected skin contact in areas of fresh water contaminated with parasitic flatworm
Symptoms of acute schistosomiasis
Fever
Coughs
Diarrhoea
Rashes
Abdominal pain
Muscle + joint pain
Result of chronic inflammation associated with schistosomiasis
Damage due to host’s immune system
- anaemia
- cystitis
- CVS + respiratory issues
- neurological - seizures, dizziness
Diagnosis of schistosomiasis
Confirmed by finding eggs in urine or stool sample
Blood test for antibiotics
Treatment for acute schistosomiasis
Oral corticosteroids - reduce inflammation
Treatment of schistosomiasis
praziquantel
What is praziqunatel used for and when is t most effective (how does this effect timings of treatment)?
- To treat schistosomiasis
- Most effective once worm have matured
- Patients often aren’t given treatment until a number of weeks post infection
When is praziquantel most effective?
What does this mean?
Once the worms have grown a bit
Treatment may be delayed or repeated
What is the mechanism of infection for schistosomiasis?
1- parasitic worms burrow through skin
2- move through blood to areas like liver + bowel
3- lay eggs
4- some eggs passed out though urine + faeces (detected for diagnosis)
Why can schistosomiasis not be transmitted person to person?
Larvae need to grow in freshwater snails before infecting someone else
What are helminth’s and what do they casue?
Parasitic worms
Schistosomiasis
What type of cancer can schistosomiasis cause?
Bladder cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma
Eggs embed in bladder wall
