Schistosomiasis: Recent Clinical Reports and Management

Emmanuel K. Ofori, Akua O. Forson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection spread by helminths, is a neglected tropical disease (NTD). There is a particularly high risk to public health in the tropics and subtropics, where poverty is pervasive. Over 90% of deaths from this disease occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where at least 251 million people suffer from it. Every system in the body is vulnerable, and the disease can manifest itself in a wide variety of ways. Schistosomiasis can present in a wide variety of ways, depending on the individual case and the disease's progression. Long-term untreated schistosomiasis can lead to the development of secondary clinical manifestations. Fever, malaise, myalgia, lethargy, a prolonged cough, bloody or blood-tinged feces, blood in the urine, and pain or discomfort in the right upper quadrant are all signs of acute schistosomiasis, also called Katayama syndrome. The schistosome species of blood flukes (trematode worms) are responsible for this condition. Genus species of the Schistosoma include S. mansoni , S. japonicum , S. intercalatum , S. haematobium , and S. mekongi . Clinically, the most severe manifestation of schistosome infection is called neuroschistosomiasis. Microscopic examination of excreta (stool, urine) is the gold standard for diagnosis, but it requires adult worms to be laying eggs. Illnesses can be diagnosed sooner with the help of serological testing.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRising Contagious Diseases
Subtitle of host publicationBasics, Management, and Treatments
Publisherwiley
Pages368-377
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781394188741
ISBN (Print)9781394188710
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2024

Keywords

  • blood
  • helminths
  • parasite
  • rural regions
  • stool
  • urine

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