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[Acute schistosomiasis (Katayama fever)]
T Jensen1, J O Rønne-Rasmussen, I C Bygbjerg
1Epidemiafdeling M., Rigshospitalet, København.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|August 28, 1995
Summary
Acute schistosomiasis, or Katayama fever, presents with diverse symptoms weeks after Schistosoma infection. Early diagnosis and treatment in travelers are crucial to prevent severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by flatworms of the genus Schistosoma.
- Acute schistosomiasis, known as Katayama fever, occurs in non-immune individuals following primary infection.
Observation:
- Katayama fever presents with a wide range of symptoms 3-6 weeks post-infection with Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum, or S. haematobium.
- The condition is often misdiagnosed as other febrile illnesses, primarily affecting travelers to endemic regions.
Findings:
- This report details seven cases of acute Schistosoma mansoni infection.
- Key aspects discussed include pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies.
Implications:
- Katayama fever should be suspected in travelers returning from endemic areas who exhibit fever and eosinophilia.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital for preventing long-term sequelae of schistosomiasis.