Schistosomiasis

Question 1

Describe the organism in schistosomiasis

Answer 1

parasitic flatworm

Question 2

Three main species of schistosome

Answer 2

S. mansoni
S. japonicum
S. haematobium

Question 3

Acute manifestations of schistosomiasis infection

Answer 3

• swimmers’ itch
• fever
• urticaria/angioedema
• arthralgia/myalgia
• cough
• diarrhoea
• eosinophilia

Question 4

Worms deposit eggs in bladder causing inflammation and potentially can cause an obstructive uropathy and kidney damage.

This subtype is a risk factor for squamous cell bladder cancer.

Features:
swimmers itch
frequency
haematuria
bladder calcification

Answer 4

Schistosoma haematobium

Question 5

Investigations for Schistosoma haematobium

Answer 5

Asymptomatic - serum schistosome antibodies

Symptomatic - urine or stool microscopy looking for eggs

Question 6

Management of Schistosoma haematobium

Answer 6

single oral dose of praziquantel

Question 7

Worms mature in liver and travel through portal system to distal colon.

Their presence in the portal system can lead to progressive hepatomegaly and splenomegaly due to portal vein congestion.

Can also lead to complications of liver cirrhosis, variceal disease and cor pulmonale.

Answer 7

Schistosoma mansoni

Schistosoma japonicum