Bilharzia, or schistosomiasis, is a parasitic disease in which the human body is infested with trematode flatworms. Larval forms of the flatworms enter the human body through the skin. The larvae settle into blood vessels and develop into adults. Adult female flatworms release eggs, which may become trapped in tissues throughout the body.

How Infection Occurs

Infection usually occurs after contact with contaminated water in tropical or sub-tropical areas. Larval forms of trematode flatworms are present in freshwater snails. When the larvae are released into bodies of water, they are able to swim freely. Upon contact with humans, the larvae burrow into the skin, and then migrate to the blood vessels that carry blood from the intestine to the liver.

Symptoms and Complications

Bilharzia causes itching and rashes at the site of entry. If the trematode flatworms invade the stomach and digestive tract, abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea may result. If the kidneys, bladder or urinary tract are infested, frequent urination, painful urination and bloody urine are all common. A heavy infestation can cause chills, fevers and enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver and spleen. Complications from bilharzia include immune reactions in the body, and depending upon where in the body the larvae and adults migrate to, damage to the liver, spleen, intestines, bladder, ureters and kidneys. Hypertension in the abdominal blood vessels is also a possibility. Bilharzia can also lead to organ enlargement and damage, chronic kidney failure, pulmonary hypertension, right-sided heart failure and seizures.

Diagnosis

If you suspect that you have bilharzia, it's important to get in touch with your physician right away. He can do a number of tests to confirm the diagnosis of bilharzia. If your physician suspects that you have bilharzia, he will probably recommend some blood tests. These tests will check for anemia (low red blood cell count), antibodies (this test checks for schistosome antigens), low platelets and high eosinophil (white blood cells). Your physician may also do a biopsy of tissue that is thought to be infected, and may check your urine and stool for schistosome eggs. Once a diagnosis has been made, appropriate treatment can be decided upon and implemented.

Source:

World Health Organization: Schistosomiasis

Google Health: Schistosomiasis

Escargot: Bilharzia