The Bilharzia Snail

WHAT IS IT?? The snail is just the carrier of the Schistosomiasis parasitic disease. Schistosomiasis, or bilharzia, is a parasitic disease caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. Larval forms of the parasites, which are released by freshwater snails, penetrate the skin of people in the water. In the body, the larvae develop into adult schistosomes, which live in the blood vessels. The females release eggs, some of which are passed out of the body in the urine or faeces. Others are trapped in body tissues, causing an immune reaction. In urinary schistosomiasis, there is progressive damage to the bladder, ureters and kidneys. In intestinal schistosomiasis, there is progressive enlargement of the liver and spleen, intestinal damage, and hypertension of the abdominal blood vessels.

Where is it? What Causes it? Control of schistosomiasis is based on drug treatment, snail control, improved sanitation and health education. Schistosomiais is prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas, especially in poor communities without access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. It is estimated that at least 90% of those requiring treatment for schistosomiasis live in Africa. As you can see there are five types of species of this parasite which live in different areas but also lead to whether the disease affects the intestine or the urinary system.

Recap and life cycle So overall we know that the snail is the carrier of the lava of the parasite disease. We know that you get the disease when you go in dirty water. This is through the snails having released the parasite. The eggs of the parasite will get back to the water (snails) through poor sanity systems.