schistosomiasis

[ shis-tuh-soh-mahy-uh-sis ]
/ ˌʃɪs tə soʊˈmaɪ ə sɪs /

noun Pathology.

an infection caused by parasitic flukes of the genus Schistosoma, occurring commonly in eastern Asia and in tropical regions and transmitted to humans through feces-contaminated fresh water or snails: symptoms commonly include pain, anemia, and malfunction of the infected organ.
Also called bilharziasis, snail fever.

Origin of schistosomiasis

First recorded in 1905–10; schistosome + -iasis

Words nearby schistosomiasis

schistosoma mansoni, schistosoma mekongi, schistosome, schistosome dermatitis, schistosomia, schistosomiasis, schistosomiasis haematobium, schistosomiasis japonicum, schistosomiasis mansoni, schistosomiasis mekongi, schistothorax

British Dictionary definitions for schistosomiasis

schistosomiasis
/ (ˌʃɪstəsəʊˈmaɪəsɪs) /

noun

a disease caused by infestation of the body with blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma Also called: bilharziasis

Medical definitions for schistosomiasis

schistosomiasis
[ shĭs′tə-sə-mī′ə-sĭs, skĭs′- ]

n. pl. schis•to•so•mi•a•ses (-sēz′)

Any of various generally tropical diseases that is caused by infestation with schistosomes, is widespread in rural areas of Africa, Asia, and Latin America through use of contaminated water, and is characterized by infection and gradual destruction of the tissues of the kidneys, liver, and other organs. bilharziasis

Scientific definitions for schistosomiasis

schistosomiasis
[ shĭs′tə-sə-mī′ə-sĭs ]

Any of a group of diseases caused by flatworm parasites of the genus Schistosoma that infest the blood of humans and other mammals, characterized by severe diarrhea and damage to vital organs, including the intestine and bladder. Schistosomiasis is seen in rural areas of Africa, Latin America, and Asia, and it is transmitted through contact with contaminated water.