schistosomiasis

[ shis-tuh-soh-mahy-uh-sis ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. an infection caused by parasitic flukes of the genus Schistosoma, occurring commonly in eastern Asia and in tropical regions and transmitted to humans through feces-contaminated fresh water or snails: symptoms commonly include pain, anemia, and malfunction of the infected organ.

schistosomiasis

/ ˌʃɪstəsəʊˈmaɪəsɪs /

noun

1. a disease caused by infestation of the body with blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma Also calledbilharziasis

schistosomiasis

/ shĭs′tə-sə-mī′ə-sĭs /

1. Any of a group of diseases caused by flatworm parasites of the genus Schistosoma that infest the blood of humans and other mammals, characterized by severe diarrhea and damage to vital organs, including the intestine and bladder. Schistosomiasis is seen in rural areas of Africa, Latin America, and Asia, and it is transmitted through contact with contaminated water.

Word History and Origins

Origin of schistosomiasis¹

First recorded in 1905–10; schistosome + -iasis

Example Sentences

The worm can cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that impacts the liver and intestines of dogs.

From Science Daily

The parasite can cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that affects the liver and intestines of dogs, according to Dillman.

From Los Angeles Times

Cancer took Dad in the late 1980s; ironically, it was caused by schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by flatworms found in the rivers of North Africa and the Middle East.

From Los Angeles Times

Another is looking into how the ecology of rivers, lakes and ponds that serve as access points for water collection affect the burden of schistosomiasis infection for people in West Africa.

From Scientific American

It is now common to see people wading to hospitals with waterborne illnesses like dysentery, giardia, hepatitis and schistosomiasis.

From Seattle Times