Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis or bilharzia is a disease affecting many people in developing countries. It is also called snail fever or swimmer's itch. In certain African communities the process of overcoming Schistosomiasis is an important rite of passage. Although it has a low mortality rate, schistosomiasis can be very debilitating. (Bilharzia is a largely obsolete eponym, after Theodor Bilharz, who first described the cause of urinary schistosomiasis in 1851.)

Related Topics:
Disease - Developing countries - Rite of passage - Mortality rate - Theodor Bilharz

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There are 5 species of flatworms that cause schistosomiasis. Each causes a different clinical presentation of the disease. It should be noted that schistosomiasis may 'metastize' to different parts of the body irrespective of its particular clinical profile.

Related Topics:
Species - Flatworm - Disease

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• Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma intercalatum cause intestinal schistosomiasis
• Schistosoma haematobium causes urinary schistosomiasis
• Schistosoma japonicum and Schistosoma mekongi cause Asian intestinal schistosomiasis
 
Schistosomiasis: Geographical distribution and epidemiology ►