Research Information System
in: New Horizons for Schistosomiasis Research, Tonay İnceboz, Editor, IntechOpen Limited, London, pp.1-16, 2022
Schistosomiasis (bilharziasis) is a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma spp.
that belongs to trematode worms. These worms are known as “blood parasites”.
This disease is included in “neglected tropical diseases” and “water-borne diseases”. The main species are Schistosoma (S.) haematobium, S. japonicum, S. mansoni, S. intercalatum, S. mekongi, S. guineensis and S. intercalatum, though there are
more than 20 different species. The parasite in the definitive host may affect many
organs and systems. The disease may become chronic and lasts 3–8 years and even
up to 20–30 years. The definitive host is primarily human; however, in endemic
areas animals such as monkeys, cattle, horses, rodents, cats, dogs are reservoirs.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), schistosomiasis affects 250
million people, and causes 1.9 million deaths yearly in endemic areas. Moreover,
due to global warming, the spread of the disease may increase. The effective way
to fight against schistosomiasis is following the “one-health system”. Indeed, to
overcome or “eradicate” this disease, we have to strive against different forms at
different evolutionary stages of the worm such as, forms in humans, domestic or
wild animals, and freshwater snails. If we combine the knowledge of professionals,
we may achieve this goal.