ICD-11

An infestation caused by helminths of the genus Schistosoma. The clinical features vary according to the species involved but the principal organs affected are the gastrointestinal tract and bladder.

A blood fluke (trematode) infection with adult male and female worms living within mesenteric or vesical veins of the host over a life span of many years. Eggs produce minute granulomata and scars in organs where they lodge or are deposited.

A disease caused by an infection with the parasitic worm Schistosoma. This disease is characterised by tingling, burning, itching of the skin, small reddish pimples, or small blisters. Transmission is by direct contact with contaminated water. Confirmation is by identification of Schistosoma eggs in a faecal, urine, or blood sample.

Cercarial dermatitis is caused by the cercariae of certain species of schistosomes whose normal hosts are birds and mammals other than humans. They attempt to, and, sometimes may actually, enter human skin. The penetration causes a dermatitis which is usually accompanied with intense itching, but the cercariae do not mature into adults in the human body. Implicated schistosome species include Austrobilharzia variglandis (normal host ducks) and Nassarius obsoletus (normal host snails). Cercarial dermatitis (swimmer’s itch) occurs on the exposed skin outside of close-fitting garments [CDC].