The Schistosoma Antibody Blood Test will indicate whether a person has become infected with the parasite worm known as cercariae. This parasite can enter a person's body through swimming or washing in water that is contaminated. The cercariae can pierce the skin and enter the bloodstream. From there, it can travel the vessels of the liver, lungs, bladder, and bowel.
According to the CDC, symptoms can appear anytime between 14 and 84 days. A person could experience the following:
- body aches
- breathing difficulties
- headache
- fever
- rash
If the parasite affects the liver, intestines, or urinary system, the symptoms could include:
- painful urination
- blood in urine
- constipation or diarrhea
- ulcers
- liver fibrosis
- blood in stool
- high blood pressure around the digestive system
Also Known As: Bilharzia, Bilharziasis, Katayama fever, Schistosomiasis
