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