schistosomiasis

American  

[shis-tuh-soh-mahy-uh-sis] / ˌʃɪs tə soʊˈmaɪ ə sɪs /

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.

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schistosomiasis British  

/ ˌʃɪstəsəʊˈmaɪəsɪs /

noun

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

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schistosomiasis Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of schistosomiasis

First recorded in 1905–10; schistosome + -iasis

Example Sentences

Using education and simple, low-cost methods, the Carter Center’s health initiatives addressed “neglected tropical diseases”: lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, schistosomiasis and malaria.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2024

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

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2024

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 • May 18, 2022

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

From Seattle Times • Nov. 20, 2021

She still suffers from the effects of several diseases she contracted in the Congo, including schistosomiasis, Guinea worms, and probably tuberculosis.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver