bilharziasis

infection with flukes of the genus Schistosoma; called also bilharziasis. The disease is rare in North America, but is a significant health problem in many parts of the world, including the Middle East, Africa, East Asia, South America, and the Caribbean. Different species cause different forms of the disease: S. mansoni and S. japonicum produce intestinal symptoms, while S. haematobium produces hematuria and other urinary symptoms. The early stages of acute infection with S. japonicum produce katayama fever, a serum sickness–like illness. Initial treatment includes correction of anemia and other nutritional disorders caused by the parasites; definitive treatment may be delayed until acute symptoms subside. Anthelmintic medications are administered, such as oxamniquine or praziquantel. Improvement in sanitation and snail control are the chief preventive measures.