Schistosomiasis

Chronic disease

Most patients with schistosomiasis experience gradual improvement following treatment, depending on the severity of their presenting symptoms. If symptoms persist after 2 rounds of praziquantel treatment, more urine or stool samples should be taken and tested for viable parasite eggs, and retreatment may be given if persistent infection is detected. If viable eggs are not detected, alternative diagnoses (e.g., bladder cancer or inflammatory bowel disease) should be investigated. Advanced complications of schistosomiasis (e.g., urinary obstruction, hydronephrosis, portal hypertension, colonic polyposis, and infertility) should be further managed in consultation with a specialist.