Treatment:

This infection is usually treated with the drug praziquantel. If the infection is severe or involves the brain, corticosteroids may be given.

Expectations (prognosis):

Treatment before significant damage or severe complications occur usually produces good results.

Complications:

• Bladder cancer
• Chronic kidney failure
• Chronic liver damage and an enlarged spleen
• Colon (large intestine) inflammation with bloody diarrhea
• Kidney and bladder obstruction
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Repeated blood infections can occur, because bacteria can enter the bloodstream through an irritated colon
• Right-sided heart failure
• Seizures

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of schistosomiasis, especially if you have traveled to a tropical or sub-tropical area where the disease is known to exist or if you have been exposed to contaminated or suspect bodies of water.