(schis•to•so•mi•a•sis)  noun

(also known as bilharzia, bilharziosis or snail fever)

By Haitham Mekkawi M.D.

Etiology and Epidemiology

caused by several species of fluke (Trematods) of the genus Schistosoma.

It is most commonly found in Asia, Africa, and South America, especially in areas with water that is contaminated with freshwater snails, which may carry the parasite.

Schistosomiasis affects over 200 milion people in the tropics and subtropics, most of whom live in Sub-Saharan Aafrica, Chronic infection cause significant morbidity,

After Malaria it has the most socio-economic impact of any parasitic disease.

Schistosomiasis is usually disease of rural and poor areas but has also been associated with Development projects such as dams and irrigations schemes.