Definition

1. Noun:
   • A parasitic disease: Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by infection with parasitic flatworms (trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma.
   • A condition of infestation and infection: The term refers to both the initial infestation by the parasite and the resulting chronic infection, which can damage internal organs.

Usage

• Schistosomiasis is typically transmitted through contact with freshwater contaminated with the parasite's larvae.
• It is a major public health concern in many tropical and subtropical regions.
• The specific medical symptoms and complications of schistosomiasis vary depending on which organs (e.g., intestines, urinary tract, liver) are affected by the parasite's eggs.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Control of the snail population is crucial for reducing the spread of schistosomiasis.
  • The doctor diagnosed him with schistosomiasis after he reported symptoms following travel to an endemic area.
  • Mass drug administration programs aim to treat communities at risk for schistosomiasis.

Advanced Usage

• "Intestinal schistosomiasis": A form of the disease primarily affecting the intestines, often caused by or .
  • Intestinal schistosomiasis can lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea.
• "Urogenital schistosomiasis": A form of the disease affecting the urinary tract and genitals, primarily caused by .
  • Urogenital schistosomiasis is a common cause of blood in the urine in endemic regions.

Variants and Related Words

• Bilharzia (n): Another name for schistosomiasis, commonly used in medical contexts.
  • Bilharzia has been known since ancient times.
• Schistosome (n): The type of parasitic flatworm that causes the disease.
  • The life cycle of the schistosome involves freshwater snails.

Synonyms

• Bilharziasis: A direct synonym, equally common in medical terminology.
• Snail fever: A non-technical, descriptive term referencing the parasite's intermediate host.

Notes on Meaning

While "schistosomiasis" strictly refers to the disease state caused by the parasite, it is inherently linked to the biological agent (Schistosoma). The core meaning remains the pathological condition of infestation and infection.

Noun

1. an infestation with or a resulting infection caused by a parasite of the genus Schistosoma; common in the tropics and Far East; symptoms depend on the part of the body infected