How does schistosomiasis occur?

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (schistosomes) that parasitize blood vessels in the human body. The larvae of schistosomes develop inside freshwater snails and then enter the water, becoming free-swimming cercariae. When humans or animals come into contact with water containing cercariae, these larvae can penetrate the skin, enter the circulatory system, and eventually migrate to the veins of the intestinal wall, bladder, or other locations, where they develop into adult worms and lay eggs.

Schistosomiasis is mainly divided into two types: intestinal schistosomiasis and urogenital schistosomiasis. The developmental process of schistosomes includes seven stages: egg, miracidium, mother sporocyst, daughter sporocyst, cercaria, juvenile worm, and adult worm. The cercaria is the stage capable of infecting humans.

Treatment methods for schistosomiasis include general treatment, antiparasitic therapy, and symptomatic and supportive treatment.