Hepatic schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a major, worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. Dis ease from the organism Schistosoma mansoni results from egg deposition in t he liver, intestines, and other organs and is associated with an intense, g ranulomatous response from the human host. Clinical manifestations range fr om mild to severe intestinal forms, and hepatosplenic schistosomiasis, whic h is associated with hepatic fibrosis, portal hypertension, esophageal vari ces, and splenomegaly. This article presents information about the epidemio logy, immunopathogenesis and clinical aspects of the disease, the relations hip between hepatic schistosomiasis and viral infections, diagnosis, therap y, and control strategies for schistosomiasis.