Katayama Disease

Katayama disease is a disease caused by parasites of the class of roundworms (nematodes), namely Schistosoma japonicum. Schistosomes are one of the most common parasites in the world. They live mainly in Southeast Asia, South America, Africa and some other regions where there is warm, standing water. The infection occurs in all parts of the world and is often associated with a low standard of living.

Symptoms of katayama disease include itching, urticaria, erythema, swollen lymph nodes, fever and other allergic reactions. Victims may develop chronic hives, cough, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and decreased immunity. In addition, women experience abnormalities of the reproductive system, leading to cervical and urinary tract cancer.

Katayama disease is spread through contact with contaminated water containing parasite eggs or larvae, for example by swimming in contaminated bodies of water or collecting oysters or clams. It can also be transmitted through the stool of a sick person after diarrhea.

The spread of infection occurs in many