Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis)

exp date isn't null, but text field is

Schistosomiasis is a water borne parasitic infection caused by several species of trematode worms. 

Causes

  • The urinary form is caused by Schistosoma haematobium whilst the intestinal form is caused mainly by Schistosoma mansoni

Signs and symptoms

Acute

  • Headache
  • Dysuria
  • Haematuria
  • Cystitis
  • Malaise
  • Bloody diarrhoea
  • Cough
  • Right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain

Chronic

  • Bloody diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pain, cramping, RUQ pain
  • Haematemesis (with portal hypertension)
  • Ascites (with portal hypertension)
  • Haematuria
  • Dysuria
  • Valvular or perianal lesions
  • Dyspnoea on exertion (with pulmonary hypertension)
  • Fatigue (with pulmonary hypertension)

Investigations

  • Proper diagnosis can only be made by microscopy

Pharmacological treatment

Praziquantel, oral

Adult:

20mg/kg initially, then another dose of 20mg/kg after 4-6 hours

Child:

4-17 years: 20mg/kg 3 times daily for one day

Doses should be given 4-6 hours apart.