What does schistosomiasis mean?
Schistosomiasis is the name for an infection caused by Schistosoma, a group of parasitic flatworms commonly called blood flukes. People usually acquire it when skin contact with infested freshwater allows the worms' larvae to enter the body. The infection can involve the intestines, bladder, liver, or other organs and may cause abdominal pain, blood in urine or stool, fatigue, and, in severe or prolonged cases, serious complications. In medical and public-health writing, the term denotes the disease rather than the parasite itself: a schistosome is the worm, while schistosomiasis is the illness. It is especially associated with tropical and subtropical regions where suitable freshwater habitats and snail hosts occur, although imported cases can occur among travellers. The word is consequently linked with sanitation, safe water, snail control, and preventive treatment in affected communities. It remains worth knowing because the infection may initially produce no obvious symptoms yet cause long-term damage when missed or inadequately treated.
nounAn infectious disease caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, usually acquired through skin contact with freshwater contaminated by worm larvae. It can affect the intestines, bladder, liver, and other organs.
- The human disease caused by infection with Schistosoma blood flukes, generally following skin contact with freshwater containing the parasites' larvae.
"Clean water and sanitation are essential for preventing schistosomiasis in communities where infected snails are present."
"Researchers developed a rapid test for schistosomiasis after surveying communities near an infected lake."
"The clinician explained that most people with schistosomiasis have no symptoms, but prolonged infection may damage the liver."
The plural is rarely used because schistosomiasis is normally treated as a mass noun.
"The survey identified three schistosomiases among the returning travellers."
The name carries a striking clue to the parasite's anatomy: Greek roots meaning “split” and “body” refer to its forked form.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does schistosomiasis come from?
Schistosomiasis was formed in English from schistosome, or the New Latin genus name Schistosoma, together with the medical suffix -iasis, denoting a diseased condition. Schistosoma combines Greek elements meaning “split” and “body,” referring to the parasite's forked form, and the same roots underlie schistosome and schistosomal. These forms became established in 19th-century medical usage as the role of the parasites in bilharzial disease was clarified.
How schistosomiasis is actually used
This is a formal medical and public-health term. It is normally used as a mass noun for the disease, although count uses and the rare plural form occur in clinical or epidemiological writing.
Easily confused with schistosomiasis
A schistosome is the parasitic worm, whereas schistosomiasis is the disease caused by infection with it.