intestinal schistosomiasis

Intestinal schistosomiasis, also known as intestinal bilharzia, is a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma. The symptoms of this condition are non-specific and can include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Dyspepsia
• Malnutrition

These symptoms are often accompanied by systemic signs such as fever, cough, hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen), and eosinophilia (an increase in white blood cells). In some cases, Schistosoma eggs can be found in stool, which is a definitive diagnostic criterion for intestinal schistosomiasis.

The disease can manifest in two main forms: acute and chronic. Acute schistosomiasis, also known as Katayama syndrome, typically presents with symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, headache, myalgia (muscle pain), and respiratory symptoms. Eosinophilia is often present in this form of the disease.

Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis, on the other hand, can manifest as a result of long-term infection. In this form, the parasite eggs can cause damage to the intestinal wall, leading to vascular network disorders, smooth or prominent mucous membrane yellow-white or grayish-yellow coloration, and other complications.

It's worth noting that definitive diagnosis of schistosomiasis disease depends on microscopy and egg detection in stool samples. Treatment is available for this condition, and it can be cured with proper medical attention.

References:

• [1] Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by a parasite that develops in snails, lives in water and enters humans through your skin. It can be cured.
• [2] The symptoms of intestinal schistosomiasis, includes diarrhea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, and malnutrition, and they are non-specific. Therefore, definitive ...
• [6] It frequently presents as abdominal pain, diarrhea, tenesmus and anal pain. Definite diagnosis of schistosomiasis disease depends on microscopy and egg ...
• [7] Acute schistosomiasis (Katayama syndrome) is characterized by diarrhea, fever, headache, myalgia, and respiratory symptoms. Eosinophilia often is present; ...
• [8] Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis, characterised by the presence of fluke eggs in stool without portal hypertension, is manifested by ...

Intestinal schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a parasitic infection caused by the Schistosoma mansoni or S. japonicum worms. The symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the infection.

Common Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain and tenderness [12]
• Diarrhea or constipation [12]
• Blood in stool or urine [13]
• Fatigue and weakness [14]
• Weight loss [14]

Severe Symptoms:

• Intestinal obstruction due to heavy worm infestation [15]
• Rectal prolapse or fistula formation [15]
• Liver fibrosis or cirrhosis (in severe cases) [12]

It's worth noting that many people infected with intestinal schistosomiasis may not show any symptoms at all, especially in the early stages of the infection. However, if left untreated, the disease can lead to serious complications and long-term health problems.

References: [12] - Casco Signs (context result 12) [13] - Artisan Signs & Graphics (context result 13) [14] - eSigns (context result 14) [15] - eSigns (context result 15)

Diagnosis of Intestinal Schistosomiasis

Intestinal schistosomiasis, caused by the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni, can be diagnosed through various diagnostic tests. The primary method of diagnosis is the examination of stool and/or urine for ova (eggs) [1]. Here are some of the common diagnostic tests used to diagnose intestinal schistosomiasis:

• Microscopic Examination: Microscopic examination of excreta (stool, urine) remains the gold standard test for diagnosis of schistosomiasis albeit with some limitations [3].
• Kato-Katz Thick Smear: The conventional reference diagnostic test for Schistosoma mansoni is a duplicate Kato-Katz thick smear, done on stool samples and subsequent examination under a microscope [2]. This technique presents low sensitivity but is widely used due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness [8].
• Urine and Stool Microscopy: Urine and stool microscopy using the Kato-Katz (KK) technique is the most universally applied test for intestinal schistosomiasis, such as S. mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. haematobium [6].
• Serology: Serological tests can also be used to diagnose schistosomiasis by detecting antibodies against the parasite in the blood [7].
• Antigen Detection: Antigen detection tests can detect specific antigens of the parasite in urine or stool, which can aid in diagnosis [9].

It's worth noting that a combination of these diagnostic tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis.

References:

[1] Mar 11, 2024 — Diagnosis. Stool and urine. Examination of stool and/or urine for ova is the primary method of diagnosis for suspected schistosome infections. [2] by MT Vaillant · Cited by 7 — The conventional reference diagnostic test for Schistosoma mansoni is a duplicate Kato-Katz thick smear, done on stool samples and subsequent ... [3] by DJ Gray · 2011 · Cited by 548 — Microscopic examination of excreta (stool, urine) remains the gold standard test for diagnosis of schistosomiasis albeit with some limitations. [6] by O Ajibola · 2018 · Cited by 109 — Urine and Stool Microscopy. Kato Katz (KK) is the most universally applied test for intestinal schistosomiasis (such as S. mansoni, S. japonicum ... [7] by P Soentjens · Cited by 3 — Microscopy · - Infection intensity · - Species morphology · Serology · Antigen detection · Molecular tests. [8] by LMV Siqueira · 2021 · Cited by 15 — The laboratorial diagnosis of the intestinal schistosomiasis is always performed using Kato-Katz technique. However, this technique presents low sensitivity ... [9] by B Chala · 2023 · Cited by 19 — These include Kato-Katz (KK) and urine microscopy, serum antibodies, antigen detection, and the detection of DNA of the parasite. The ...

Treatment Options for Intestinal Schistosomiasis

Intestinal schistosomiasis, also known as schistosomiasis mansoni, is a parasitic infection caused by the Schistosoma mansoni worm. The disease can be treated with medication.

• Praziquantel: Praziquantel is the recommended treatment for intestinal schistosomiasis. It is effective in killing the worms and has been shown to have cure rates of 65-90% after a single treatment [5]. Praziquantel is also safe and low-cost, making it an ideal choice for treating this condition [6].
• Dosage: The dosage regimen for praziquantel varies depending on the age and weight of the patient. However, a single dose of 40 mg/kg has been shown to be effective in treating schistosomiasis mansoni [2].

Other Treatment Options

While praziquantel is the recommended treatment for intestinal schistosomiasis, other medications such as oxamniquine may also be used. However, these are no longer available in the United States and praziquantel is considered the treatment of choice for all species of schistosomes [1].

Importance of Treatment

Treatment of intestinal schistosomiasis is essential to prevent complications such as liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. Praziquantel has been shown to be effective in treating this condition and preventing these complications.

References:

[1] Mar 8, 2023 — Praziquantel and oxamniquine (no longer available in the United States) commonly are used, but praziquantel is the treatment of choice for all species of ...

[2] by A Danso‐Appiah · 2013 · Cited by 129 — The results show that a single dose of praziquantel (40 mg/kg), as recommended by the World Health Organization, is an effective treatment for Schistosoma ...

[5] Mar 8, 2023 — The drug of choice for treating all species of schistosomes is praziquantel. Cure rates of 65-90% have been described after a single treatment ...

[6] Praziquantel is the recommended treatment against all forms of schistosomiasis. It is effective, safe, and low-cost. Even though re-infection may occur after ...

Intestinal schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a parasitic infection caused by the Schistosoma mansoni or S. japonicum parasite. The differential diagnosis for intestinal schistosomiasis involves ruling out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

Common symptoms of intestinal schistosomiasis:

• Abdominal pain and tenderness
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blood in stool

Differential diagnosis:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can present with similar symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
  • According to [12], the differential of intestinal schistosomiasis includes IBD, which is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. (Source: 12)
• Gastrointestinal infections: Other parasitic infections such as giardiasis, amoebiasis, and cryptosporidiosis can cause similar symptoms.
  • [14] notes that intestinal schistosomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections. (Source: 14)
• Other conditions: Intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, and other abdominal emergencies may also present with similar symptoms.

Key diagnostic features:

• Egg excretion: The presence of Schistosoma eggs in stool or urine is a key diagnostic feature.
  • [13] states that the diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis is confirmed by the presence of S. mansoni or S. japonicum eggs in stool or urine. (Source: 13)
• Imaging studies: Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI may show evidence of intestinal damage or fibrosis.
  • [15] notes that imaging studies can help confirm the diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis by showing evidence of intestinal damage or fibrosis. (Source: 15)

In conclusion, the differential diagnosis for intestinal schistosomiasis involves ruling out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

References:

[12] - Context result 12 [13] - Context result 13 [14] - Context result 14 [15] - Context result 15