Main phases and clinical manifestations of the schistosomias

Question

Write down the main phases and clinical manifestations of the schistosomiasis?

Answer 1

Schistosomiasis has chronic and acute phases. Days after infection the cercarial dermatitis appears at the site where the worm penetrated the skin. In one or two months the acute phase begins and fever, cough, muscle pain and nausea occur but soon disappear; in some people this phase may not manifest. In the chronic phase of the disease the worm infestation can affect the bowels, causing diarrhea, bloody feces, tiredness and hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen). The excessive pressure upon the hepatic portal vein generates varix (collateral circulation) in esophagus and the patient might have hemorrhages and bloody vomiting which might even cause death.