. Schistosomiasis, a disease affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regionsis, is caused by one of the several species of Schistosoma trematode, including S. mansoni, S. haematobium, S. japonicum, and others (Blood flukes). Infection occurs when the parasite's cariae penetrate the skin of humans who come into contact with contaminated water. Once inside the body, they migrate through various tissues, eventually reaching the veins of the intestines, bladder, or liver, where they mature into adult worms. Eggs released by the adult worms can cause inflammation and damage to organs, particularly the liver, intestines, bladder, and in severe cases, the kidneys and lungs.
. The symptoms include: abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in stool (for S. mansoni and S. japonicum infections), hematuria (blood in urine), frequent urination, and pain when urinating (for S. haematobium), chronic liver disease, including fibrosis and cirrhosis, if untreated. Extrapulmonary symptoms: including involvement of the nervous system and other organs.
. Detection of IgG antibodies indicates past exposure or chronic infection. Early diagnosis helps guide appropriate treatment, reducing the risk of complications, such as liver cirrhosis, bladder cancer, or kidney failure, improving patient outcomes, and also valuable for monitoring the efficacy of treatment.