How is Swimmer ’ s Itch Diagnosed?

Discussion Cercarial Dermatitis (CD) is known by many names throughout the world, but is commonly known as swimmer’s itch. It is a water-borne, non-communicable infectious disease that is caused by the larval stage (cercariae) of parasitic schistosomatid flukes. The cercariae causes an allergic maculopapular skin rash in humans that is usually self-limited (usually 4-10 days) but can cause problems for up to 20 days. CD parasites are considered an emerging disease because of the increased distribution of the problem across the globe. Different parasite species cause the problem. In a normal life cycle that occurs mainly in fresh water but also brackish water, schistosome eggs invade various species of aquatic snails that act as an intermediary hosts. Within the snails, the schistosome eggs develop into schistosome cercariae. The schistosome cercariae migrate from the snail back into the water. In the water the schistosome cercariae encounters birds or mammals which are their definitive host. The cercariae penetrate the skin of the bird or mammal and travel within the host to a definitive organ (which depends on the species) where they develop into schistosome flukes. The schistosome flukes produces eggs which leave the definitive host usually through the intestinal tract usually, but occasionally through the bladder and urinary system. The schistosome eggs then start the cycle all over. The usual intended definitive hosts are avian, especially waterfowl. Many differe...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news