Question 1

what is schistosomiasis?

Accepted Answer

A Trematode disease: Schistosomiasis is a disease cause by one of several types of this worm that lives with its mate in a state of eternal copulation in the veins draining from the intestine or urinary bladder.  The disease is not due to the procreating adults but rather our immune reaction to the eggs that wind up in the liver causing cirrhosis or in the urinary bladder causing blood in the urine or scarred bladder.

Question 2

can schistosomiasis be cured?

Accepted Answer

Rx 4 schistosomiasis: Traditionally, schistosomiasis (regardless of strain like s. Haematobium, s.Intercalatum, s.Japonicum, s.Mansoni, s.Mekongi, & even for toxemic schisto with massive infection by schisto) is treated with praziquantel. For possible praziquantel-resistance, oxamniquine is offered. Metrifonate may work alternatively for s.Haematobium. Prevention is best, but if infected please speak with your doctor.

Question 3

can you die from schistosomiasis?

Accepted Answer

Schistosomiasis bad: Chronic schistosomiasis is the inflammatory response caused by schistosome eggs deposited in intestine, carried to liver by way of portal circulation, or that reach the lungs or other sites thru the bloodstream. The degree of pathology depends on the worm burden & the host's immune response but can result in varices with bleed, ascites, lung fibrosis, & diseases of gallbladder, kidney, appendix.

Question 4

what are the tests for schistosomiasis?

Accepted Answer

Blood or tissue: The best test is finding the characteristic eggs in the stool, rectal biopsy, urine, urinary bladder or liver.  Antibody tests are available but less useful.

Question 5

are the symptoms of schistosomiasis bad?

Accepted Answer

Can be: Usually chronic, not acute. Acute: pain, cough, fever, diarrhea, fatigue., genital sores. Chronic: above, also rarely neurologic problems, including paralysis; also scarring of liver-causes big liver, spleen, varicose veins of esophagus or stomach (can cause life-threatening bleed), lung and kidney problems; can increase risk for bladder cancer, colon polyps. At risk? See your doc, get checked, rx.

Question 6

what are the symptoms of schistosomiasis?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The symptoms of schisto depends where the adults are procreating and producing eggs.  S. Mansoni in the colon veins causes disease when the eggs wash backwards into the liver and if enough are there can cause cirrhosis of the liver.  S. Haemotobium is near the urinary bladder and eggs in. The bladder wall can cause blood in the urine and scarring of the bladder. The adults do not cause symptoms.

Question 7

can i die from schistosomiasis if i ignore it?

Accepted Answer

Can die from schisto: Chronic schistosomiasis is the inflammatory response caused by schistosome eggs carried to liver by way of portal circulation, or that reach the lungs or other sites thru the bloodstream. The degree of pathology (& associated risk of dying) depends on worm burden & the host's immune response but can result in varices with bleed, ascites, lung fibrosis, & diseases of gallbladder, kidney, appendix.

Question 8

how fast can i make my schistosomiasis go away?

Accepted Answer

It take time: Treatment before significant damage or severe complications occur usually produces good results.

Question 9

are some people more prone to getting schistosomiasis?

Accepted Answer

Exposure: Parasitic illness, "snail fever". Endemic in some parts of africa, caribbean, middle east, asia, s. America. Depending on type can cause liver or urinary problems. Exposure to standing fresh water-  (including man-made lakes, either from work, recreation, domestic chores. Avoidance is key on an individual level; bigger issues on a societal level.

Question 10

what is the definition or description of: schistosomiasis?

Accepted Answer

Parasitic infection: Schistosoma are a genus of parasitic worms that can cause infections in humans.  Depending on the particular species, they occupy certain areas in the circulatory system in the host and can cause localized pathology due to the chronic inflammation there.

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