Schistosomiasis: Parasitology Essentials

Schistosomiasis refers to a group of chronic or acute diseases caused by parasitic worms called schistosomes. It is known by various names such as bilharzia, bilharziasis, snail fever or Katayama fever. The three major types of schistosomiasis are Japonica schistosomiasis, Manson's or intestinal schistosomiasis, and vesical or urinary schistosomiasis. Some common symptoms of acute schistosomiasis are abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool, or blood in the urine. Liver damage, kidney failure, infertility and bladder cancer are certain complications associated with chronic schistosomiasis. The diagnosis of this disease is performed through microscopic examination of stool or urine samples for parasite eggs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, circumoval precipitation test, and alkaline phosphatase immunoassay are some other diagnostic methods that can be used to determine schistosomiasis. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are employed to investigate the severity of schistosomiasis and damage to infected organs. Its treatment involves medications such as praziquantel and oxamniquine. This book contains some path-breaking studies related to schistosomiasis. It is appropriate for medical students and researchers seeking detailed information on this parasitic disease.