How is schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, transmitted through skin contact?

Answer

Larval forms, released from infected freshwater snails, actively penetrate intact human skin

Schistosomiasis transmission involves a distinct mechanism entirely different from handling terrestrial worms. This disease requires very specific environmental exposure involving freshwater bodies contaminated by an intermediate host—freshwater snails. The larval forms of the parasitic flatworm are actively released from these snails into the water. These larvae possess the ability to actively penetrate the intact skin of a human who is wading, swimming, or bathing in that contaminated fresh water. This is characterized as an active penetration process by the parasite, contrasting sharply with the passive surface transfer mechanism associated with contaminants found on an earthworm.

How is schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, transmitted through skin contact?

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