Monsters Inside Me
Schistosomiasis, aka Snail Fever
Caused by the Schistosoma mansoni blood fluke.
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The Parasite: Schistosoma mansoni is a species of blood fluke — a flatworm that feeds on the blood of mammals. It lives in freshwater lakes in Africa, Asia and South America. The life cycle begins when an adult worm lays its eggs in the blood vessels around the intestines of its host. The eggs leave the body in the host's feces. When they come into contact with water, they hatch, and the microscopic larvae seek out a snail. The larvae penetrate the snail's fleshy foot, and once inside develop into tiny worm larvae. The worm larvae emerge daily from the snail host, where they seek out a new mammalian host with a blood supply.
When a mammal (human or otherwise) enters the water, the larvae — attracted by fatty acids in the skin — swim toward the new host with their microscopic tails. Attaching themselves to the skin, they search for a penetration site — often at a hair follicle — then emit a chemical that dissolves the skin, producing a tiny hole that the larvae can swim through. Once inside the mammalian host, they develop into adult worms and live in the blood vessels near the liver. They mate in the blood stream, depositing eggs near the intestines; these eggs are deposited in the feces, beginning the cycle anew.
The Infection: Schistosomiasis is a common disease in tropical regions, especially Africa, infecting an estimated 200 million people worldwide. It can exist in the body, undetected, for decades, damaging internal organs such as the liver, intestines, lungs and bladder. The symptoms — typically inflammation and scarring — are the body's reaction to the eggs rather than the worms. Children can develop anemia, malnutrition and learning difficulties with repeated exposure. In rare cases, the worms enter the central nervous system and lay their eggs in the brain or spinal cord resulting in seizures, paralysis, spinal cord inflammation and even death.
Treatment: The anti-parasitic drug Praziquantel, which paralyzes the parasites, is the primary treatment for schistosomiasis.
Prevention: Avoid contaminated water, especially water contaminated by sewage.
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Featured in Sleeper Cells, Episode 1 of MONSTERS INSIDE ME
Wednesday, July 1, 9 PM e/p
Nearly impossible to detect, these killers lie dormant, waiting for the right time to strike. Highlighting Baylisascaris infection, aka raccoon roundworm infection; lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis, aka snail fever.
 Check out the schistosomiasis parasite in action.
See how schistosomiasis, aka snail fever, affects the body.
 Download a wallpaper-sized Schistosoma blood fluke picture.
Visit the Monsters Inside Me video gallery.
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  Rate Disgusting Parasite Habits: From blood-sucking to brain-eating, rate revolting parasite habits on a scale from "gross" (0) to "I think I'm going to vomit" (10).
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 Parasite Pictures and Wallpaper: See detailed, computer-generated images of parasites in our bodies, and download your favorites to your desktop!
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