Schistosomiasis overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Schistosomiasis''' or ''' | '''Schistosomiasis''' (also known as '''[[Theodor Bilharz|bilharzia]]''', '''bilharziosis''' or '''snail fever''') is a [[parasitic disease]] caused by several species of [[Trematoda|trematodes]] ([[platyhelminth]] infection, or "flukes"), a [[parasitic worm]] of the genus ''[[Schistosoma]]''. [[Snail]]s serve as the intermediary agent between mammalian [[Host (biology)|host]]s. Individuals within developing countries who cannot afford proper water and [[sanitation]] facilities are often exposed to contaminated water containing the infected snails.<ref name="CIA - The World Factbook"> "CIA - The World Factbook." Central Intelligence Agency, 4 Apr. 2007 {{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html#2193 | title=cia.gov}}</ref> | ||
Although it has a low [[mortality rate]], schistosomiasis often is a [[chronic illness]] that can damage internal organs and, in children, impair growth and [[cognitive development]]. The [[urinary]] form of schistosomiasis is associated with increased risks for [[bladder cancer]] in adults. Schistosomiasis is the second most socioeconomically devastating parasitic disease after [[malaria]].<ref name="SCP"/> | |||
This disease is most commonly found in [[Asia]], [[Africa]], and [[South America]], especially in areas where the water contains numerous [[freshwater snail]]s, which may carry the parasite. | |||
The disease affects many people in developing countries, particularly children who may acquire the disease by swimming or playing in infected water.<ref name="SCP">{{Cite web | author= The Carter Center| title=Schistosomiasis Control Program|url=http://www.cartercenter.org/health/schistosomiasis/index.html|accessdate=2008-07-17 | postscript= <!--None-->}}</ref> When children come into contact with a contaminated water source, the parasitic [[larva]]e easily enter through their skin and further mature within organ tissues. As of 2009, 74 developing countries statistically identified epidemics of Schistosomiasis within their respective populations.<ref name="CIA - The World Factbook"/> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 16:58, 26 November 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia, bilharziosis or snail fever) is a parasitic disease caused by several species of trematodes (platyhelminth infection, or "flukes"), a parasitic worm of the genus Schistosoma. Snails serve as the intermediary agent between mammalian hosts. Individuals within developing countries who cannot afford proper water and sanitation facilities are often exposed to contaminated water containing the infected snails.[1]
Although it has a low mortality rate, schistosomiasis often is a chronic illness that can damage internal organs and, in children, impair growth and cognitive development. The urinary form of schistosomiasis is associated with increased risks for bladder cancer in adults. Schistosomiasis is the second most socioeconomically devastating parasitic disease after malaria.[2]
This disease is most commonly found in Asia, Africa, and South America, especially in areas where the water contains numerous freshwater snails, which may carry the parasite.
The disease affects many people in developing countries, particularly children who may acquire the disease by swimming or playing in infected water.[2] When children come into contact with a contaminated water source, the parasitic larvae easily enter through their skin and further mature within organ tissues. As of 2009, 74 developing countries statistically identified epidemics of Schistosomiasis within their respective populations.[1]