Living with Schistosomiasis
A disease caused by parasitic worms picked up through contact with contaminated water, common in tropical and subtropical areas.
Understanding Schistosomiasis
The parasite swims freely in open water and burrows into the skin on contact. It then matures and travels to the lungs and liver. The adult worm settles in a favored part of the body, such as the bladder, rectum, intestines, or liver, depending on its species. It is common in many tropical and subtropical areas worldwide.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by parasitic worms that enter through the skin during contact with contaminated water.
Also known as: bilharzia; bilharziasis; blood fluke infection; disease caused by schistosomatidae; hemic distomiasis; infection by schistosoma
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Schistosomiasis.
Explore research for Schistosomiasis
Explore actively recruiting Schistosomiasis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Schistosomiasis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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