Schistosomiasis Flashcards
What is schistosomiasis?
It is an infection caused by a freshwater parasitic worm.
What is the pathogen that causes schistosomiasis?
It is a parasitic fluke of the schistosoma genus.
What is the entry method for schistosomiasis infections?
A person coming into contact with freshwater that is contaminated with the parasite.
The parasite enters the body through burrowing into the skin.
What are the virulence factors for schistosomiasis?
The worm travels in the blood into the gut, bladder and in the liver, where eggs are laid.
How can schistosomiasis transmit between people?
It cannot, the eggs need to hatch and grow in freshwater snails before infecting someone else.
What are acute symptoms of schistosomiasis?
Fever.
A raised, itchy rash at the site of infection.
Diarrhoea.
Abdominal swelling.
A cough and general malaise.
What are the symptoms of chronic schistosomiasis, and what do the symptoms depend on?
Hepatosplenomegaly.
Fibrosis of the bowel and bladder.
Which organ systems are infected:
- GI = abdominal swelling, blood in the faeces and anaemia.
- CNS = confusion and convulsions.
- Heart and lungs = shortness of breath, and coughing up blood.
- Urinary = blood in the urine, dysuria, and frequent urination.
How can you diagnose schistosomiasis?
Blood film.
The eggs could be found in the urine or faeces.
What is the treatment for schistosomiasis?
Praziquantel.
May be given costecosteroids for inflammation reduction.
Where is schistosomiasis found?
Africa but also found in South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Asia.
