Schistosome dermatitis--an unrecognized problem in South Africa?
Appleton, C.C.
South African Medical Journal 65(12): 467-469
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 6701711 Document Number: 229365
Schistosome dermatitis (Swimmer's Itch), due to cercariae of bird schistosomes penetrating and dying in the skin of man, is described in detail with features to assist clinicians in diagnosing the condition: papular dermatitis with severe itching 12-24 h after exposure to natural waters, often confined to the parts exposed. The author has collated anecdotal reports and published records from South Africa suggesting that the condition is widespread and that several schistosome species are involved, some transmitted by freshwater snails and others by marine molluscs. Cross-reactions between human and avian schistosomes occur in immunological tests, and could produce false positives in immunodiagnostic surveys for human schistosomes in South Africa, especially in areas where endemicity is low.R.F. Sturrock.