Infection caused by a parasite called schistosoma. It is a common infection in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
It is contracted when the larvae penetrate the skin in areas with contaminated water. They enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs where they multiply. They then enter the bloodstream again and finally settle in the liver, where they can live for up to 5 years. Other organs affected include the brain, bladder, rectum, bowel and spleen.
Symptoms depend on the stage of the infection cycle. They usually start with itching and rash around the skin entry point, followed by fever, chills and inflammation of the lymph nodes, liver and spleen. The urinary tract and bowels can also be affected.
To make a diagnosis, it is very important to ask the patient about possible previous contact with larvae in stagnant water. A full physical examination should be carried out to look for skin lesions.
There is a specific treatment for the parasites called praziquantel.
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