Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a helminthic infection and one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). It is caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. It is an important public health problem, particularly in poverty-stricken areas, especially those within the tropics and subtropics. It is estimated that at least 236 million people worldwide are infected, 90% of them in sub-Saharan Africa, and that this disease causes approximately 300,000 deaths annually. The clinical manifestations are varied and affect practically all organs. There are substantial differences in the clinical presentation, depending on the phase and clinical form of schistosomiasis in which it occurs. Schistosomiasis can remain undiagnosed for a long period of time, with secondary clinical lesion. Here, we review the clinical profile of schistosomiasis. This information may aid in the development of more efficacious treatments and improved disease prognosis.
Highlights
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases worldwide, affecting more than 236 million people globally, according to data provided by the World Health Organization [1]
Cercarial dermatitis or Swimmer’s itch is reported in 5–100% of exposed travelers; it develops a few hours after freshwater contact carrying infective cercariae, and the affected person develops an itchy maculo-papular rash, limited to areas immersed in water [2]
Intestinal schistosomiasis is a very frequent chronic complication that has been described in cases for more than 20 years [41] and is caused by infection with S. mansoni, S. japonicum, S. intercalatum, S. mekongi, and occasionally, S. haematobium
Summary
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases worldwide, affecting more than 236 million people globally, according to data provided by the World Health Organization [1]. The importance of schistosomiasis for public health has increased exponentially in recent years due to the increase in migration and international tourism [1]. From a clinical point of view, schistosomiasis is divided into three stages: (i) the first occurs 24 h after the penetration of the cercariae into the dermis called cercarial dermatitis, (ii) acute schistosomiasis appears 3–. 8 weeks after infection, and (iii) the chronic stage occurs months or years after infection, and is a consequence of the formation of granulomas in the tissues around the schistosome eggs
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