How to Diagnose Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection by a trematode in the Schistosoma genus. It is a major cause of death in developing countries and is spread elsewhere by immigration and tourism. Schistosomes infect freshwater snails that release the cercariae into the water. Chronic schistosomiasis is the more common form with acute schistosomiasis occurring primarily in cases of heavy infections. The following steps will show how to diagnose schistosomiasis.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Obtain a detailed patient history, paying particular attention to recent travel. Include information on drinking water and recreation, especially swimming. The symptoms are primarily due to immune responses to the eggs and can include body aches, coughing, bloody diarrhea, fatigue, fever and headaches.

2. Conduct a physical examination. Acute schistosomiasis may cause a swollen liver and spleen, infection of the lymph nodes and occasional itching. Signs of chronic schistosomiasis also may include abdominal tenderness, edema, paralysis, serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity and lesions on the anus or vulva.

3. Perform routine laboratory tests to support a diagnosis of schistosomiasis. A complete blood count may show eosinophilia. If the patient has hepatic granulomatosis, an increase in alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase may be present.

4. Find eggs in the urine or stool to definitively diagnose schistosomiasis. Run a urinalysis at 24-hour intervals and centrifuge the sample before counting the eggs. Stool samples are prepared with glycerol.

5. Detect eggs from crush specimens to make a diagnosis for enteric schistosomiasis. Cystoscopy can diagnose bladder infections of schistosomiasis.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.