Schistosomiasis mansoni is a parasitic disease caused by the worms of the genus Schistosoma. The spelling of this word can be tricky due to the presence of many consonants and the use of the uncommon letter combination 'sch'. The correct pronunciation of this word is /ʃɪstəsəˈmaɪəsɪs mænˈsoʊnaɪ/. The IPA phonetic transcription shows that 'sch' is pronounced as 'sh', 's' is pronounced as 'z', 'ai' is pronounced as 'aɪ' and 'si' is pronounced as 'sɪ'.
Schistosomiasis mansoni, also known as intestinal schistosomiasis, is a parasitic disease caused by the infection of the Schistosoma mansoni worm. It is one of the five major species of the Schistosoma parasite that causes schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease mainly found in developing countries in Africa, the Middle East, South America, and the Caribbean.
Schistosomiasis mansoni is primarily transmitted through contact with contaminated freshwater sources, such as rivers or lakes, which are infested with the parasite. The infection occurs when the larval form of the worm, known as cercariae, penetrate the human skin during activities like swimming or bathing. The larvae then migrate to the venous system and eventually reach the liver, where they mature into adult worms that reside in the veins around the intestines.
Symptoms of schistosomiasis mansoni can vary from mild to severe and usually manifest weeks or months after infection. Common signs include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), and splenomegaly (enlarged spleen). Prolonged or repeated exposure to the parasite can lead to chronic infection, potentially causing long-term complications such as liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, and intestinal pathology.
Preventive measures for schistosomiasis mansoni include avoiding contact with contaminated freshwater, using protective clothing, and treating the infected water sources with chemical agents to kill the cercariae. Treatment of the disease typically involves the administration of the drug praziquantel, which is effective against the adult worms and helps reduce the burden of the infection. Public health interventions, such as improved sanitation and health education
The word "Schistosomiasis mansoni" has its etymology rooted in the combination of two main elements: "schistosomiasis" and "mansoni".
1. Schistosomiasis: The term "schistosomiasis" comes from the Greek words "skhistos" (meaning "split" or "cleft") and "soma" (meaning "body"). It refers to a parasitic disease caused by infection with flatworms of the genus Schistosoma.
2. Mansoni: The term "mansoni" is derived from the name of Sir Patrick Manson, a British physician who made significant contributions to the understanding and discovery of tropical diseases, including schistosomiasis.