Blood fluke infection. Also see Blood Flukes, Bilharzia, Schistosoma Haematobium, Parasites Schistosoma Haematobium, Schistosoma Mansoni, and Parasites Schistosoma Mansoni.Encyclopedia Entry for Schistosomiasis :Schistosomiasis - Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. haematobium (protozoan parasites; blood flukes)Encyclopedia Entry for Schistosomiasis :Schistosomiasis. You can get a schistosoma infection through contact with contaminated water. This parasite swims freely in open bodies of fresh water. When the parasite comes into contact with humans, it burrows into the skin and matures into another stage. Then, it travels to the lungs and liver, where it grows into the adult form of the worm. The adult worm then travels to its preferred body part, depending on its species. These areas include the: Bladder Rectum Intestines Liver Veins that carry blood from the intestines to the liver Spleen Lungs Schistosomiasis is not usually seen in the United States. It is common in many tropical and subtropical areas worldwide.Symptoms vary with the species of worm and the phase of infection. Many parasites may cause fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and swollen liver and spleen. When the worm first gets into the skin, it may cause itching and a rash (swimmer's itch). In this condition, the schistosome is destroyed within the skin. Intestinal symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhea (which may be bloody). Urinary symptoms may include frequent urination, painful urination, and blood in the urine.Your health care provider will examine you. Tests that may be done include: Antibody test to check for signs of infection Biopsy of tissue Complete blood count (CBC) to check for signs of anemia Eosinophil count to measure the number of certain white blood cells Kidney function tests Liver function tests Stool examination to look for parasite eggs Urinalysis to look for parasite eggs.This infection is usually treated with the drug praziquantel. This is usually given along with corticosteroids. If the infection is severe or involves the brain, corticosteroids may be given first.Treatment before significant damage or severe complications occur usually produces good results.These complications may occur: Bladder cancer Chronic kidney failure Chronic liver damage and an enlarged spleen Colon (large intestine) inflammation Kidney and bladder blockage High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs ( pulmonary hypertension ) Repeated blood infections, if bacteria enter the bloodstream through an irritated colon Right-sided heart failure Seizures.Call your provider if you develop symptoms of schistosomiasis, especially if you have: Traveled to a tropical or subtropical area where the disease is known to exist Been exposed to contaminated or possibly contaminated bodies of water.Follow these steps to avoid getting this infection: Avoid swimming or bathing in contaminated or potentially contaminated water. Avoid bodies of water if you do not know whether they are safe. Snails can host this parasite. Getting rid of snails in bodies of water used by humans may help prevent infection.Bilharzia; Katayama fever; Swimmer's itch; Blood fluke; Snail fever.Swimmer Swimmer's itch Antibodies Antibodies.Bustinduy AL, King CH. Schistosomiasis.Encyclopedia Entry for Schistosomiasis :Schistosomiasis: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that is endemic in many developing countries. Roughly 200 million people worldwide are infected with the flukeworm, whose eggs cause the symptoms of the disease. Some 120 million of those infected are symptomatic, and 20 million suffer severely from the infection. Symptoms include rash and itchiness soon after becoming infected, followed by fever, chills, coughing, and muscle aches.Encyclopedia Entry for Schistosomiasis :Schistosomiasis. Source of disease: Schistosoma species