Schistosome dermatitis

• Commonly called swimmers itch.
• The cercariae of schistosomes infecting some mammals and birds are the cause of schistosome dermatitis.
• The cercariae penetrate the skin, can proceed no further and die.
• At least 25 species of schistosomes are responsible (Brown & Belding; Basic Clinical Parasitology; Second Edition)
• The reaction in patients previously sensitized is more pronounced.

Return to the schistosomes.