Schistosomiasis, commonly known as schistosis, a water or snail belly disease, is an infectious disease caused by the Schistosoma mansoni parasite, which can be found in river and lake water and can penetrate the skin, causing redness and itching on the skin. weakness and muscle pain, for example.
Schistosomiasis is most common in tropical environments where there is no basic sanitation and where there are a large number of snails, since these animals are considered hosts of the Schistosome parasite, that is, the parasite needs to spend time in the snail to grow and reach the stage. where it can infect people.
- In most cases.
- Schistosomiasis is asymptomatic.
- However.
- The person infected with the parasite may develop early signs and symptoms that characterize the first phase of the disease.
- Also called the acute phase:.
As the parasite develops in the body and passes into the liver circulation, other, more severe signs and symptoms may appear, characterizing the second phase of the disease, also called the chronic phase:
To avoid the onset of the most severe symptoms of schistosomiasis, it is important that the diagnosis is made, preferably, always in the acute phase of the disease.
Diagnosis is made by examining the stool for 3 days, during which Schistosoma mansoni eggs are sought. In addition, a complete blood count and a measurement of liver enzymes, such as ALT and AST, that are usually altered, as well as imaging tests, such as abdominal ultrasound, can be requested to check for increasedness and functioning. liver and spleen.
Schistosoma mansoni infection occurs from contact with contaminated water, especially in areas where there are large amounts of snails. As a result, farmers, fishermen, women and children are more vulnerable to disease after fishing, washing clothes or swimming in contaminated waters.
The life cycle of schistosomiasis is complex and develops as follows
Therefore, in places where there is no basic sanitation, it is common for many people from the same community to become infected with schistosomiasis, especially if there are large numbers of snails in the area, since this animal has a fundamental role in the life of the parasite. Cycle. To break this cycle and prevent others from becoming infected, avoid contact with contaminated water and remove excess snails.
Treatment is usually done with antiparasitic drugs such as praziquantel or oxyamniquine for 1 or 2 days, which kill and eliminate the parasite. In addition, your doctor may recommend the use of corticosteroid ointments to relieve itching of the skin, and it is also recommended to rest, maintain good hydration and drink water. In addition, pain relievers may also be indicated to lower fever and colic.
Beta blockers and medications may also be used to control diarrhea in the chronic phase of schistosomiasis in addition to esophageal varicose vein sclerotherapy.
Schistosomiasis can be cured when diagnosis is made early in the disease and treatment is started as soon as possible, as it is possible to eliminate the parasite and prevent the onset of complications, such as enlarged liver and spleen, anemia and developmental delay. of the child, for example. Therefore, if the person suspects that they have worms, the medication should be started as soon as possible.
To find out if the person has actually healed, your doctor may order a new stool test on the sixth and twelfth week after the start of treatment. In some cases, for avoidance, your doctor requests a rectal biopsy 6 months after the start of treatment.
However, even if the cure of schistosomiasis is verified, the person does not acquire immunity and can become infected with the parasite again if it comes into contact with contaminated water.
The prevention of schistosomiasis can be done through basic hygiene measures such as:
These precautions should be taken mainly in areas where there is no adequate sanitation and where wastewater flows outdoors.