Bilharzia (Schistosome) Antibodies

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is an infection caused by a parasitic worm that lives in fresh water in subtropical and tropical regions. The parasite is most commonly found throughout Africa, but also lives in parts of South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Asia. You often don’t have any symptoms when you first become infected with schistosomiasis, but the parasite can remain in the body for many years and cause damage to organs such as the bladder, kidneys and liver. The symptoms of schistosomiasis are varied and non-specific. The infection can be easily treated with a short course of medicine, so see your GP if you think you might have it, especially if you are feeling unwell and you’ve travelled in parts of the world where schistosomiasis is found, or if you’re concerned that you may have been exposed to the parasites while travelling.