Schistosomiasis

Endemic disease by adult Schistosoma; 73 countries in Asia/Africa/Latin America; ~200 million infected. Egg-induced granuloma/fibrosis mainly in liver/colon. Granuloma = host immune response: destroys eggs but scars tissue → pipestem cirrhosis/intestinal fibrosis.

Common Symptoms

Dysentery; chest pain; hepatosplenomegaly; ascites; blood-streaked sputum; pseudotubercle; weight loss; GI symptoms; abdominal wall venous distension

Causes and Pathogenesis

Cercarial dermatitis (immediate+delayed). Schistosomular migration: vasculitis/capillary rupture/petechiae (lungs); fever/cough/hemoptysis/eosinophilia. Adult worms minor direct damage but shed antigens → immune complexes. Eggs = main lesion; granulomatous pre-sinusoidal obstruction → pipestem fibrosis (peripertal white fibrous bundles).

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

No swimming/wading in snail-infested waters; barrier cream; post-exposure check/early treatment.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Infectious Diseases department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.