Dr. Jessica Pelletier, Dr. Daniela Fusco, and Dr. Rivonirina Andry Rakotoarivelo discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, management, and prevention of schistosomiasis.

Take-Home Points:

• Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection with trematode worms that can cause chronic intestinal or genitourinary disease if untreated
• The gold standard diagnostic test is direct visualization of the parasites in stool or urine using special microscopy methods. A urine RDT exists but isn’t perfect, and other methods also have their drawbacks
• Prevention involves avoiding exposure to potentially contaminated freshwater, snail vector control, and PC with PZQ
• Morbidity management remains a big problem for endemic countries that are advancing health services in order to mitigate ...