What causes schistosomiasis?

Schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic flatworms called schistosomes that live in freshwater snails found in tropical and subtropical regions. You become infected when your skin comes into contact with contaminated freshwater where infected snails live, and the microscopic larvae penetrate your skin. The parasites then migrate through your bloodstream to your liver and intestines, where they mature and lay eggs that cause the symptoms and complications of the disease.

What is the best test for schistosomiasis?

The Ova and Parasites with Giardia Antigen stool test is the most important test for schistosomiasis because it directly detects Schistosoma eggs in your stool, which provides definitive proof of infection. This comprehensive analysis uses specialized concentration techniques and permanent smears to identify the characteristic eggs of schistosome parasites, even when they are present in small numbers. Multiple stool samples may be collected to increase detection accuracy since egg-laying patterns vary based on the parasite lifecycle.

When should I get tested for schistosomiasis?

You should get tested if you have traveled to Africa, South America, the Middle East, or Southeast Asia and swam or waded in freshwater lakes, rivers, or streams in these regions. Testing is especially important if you develop fever, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, or unexplained digestive symptoms within weeks to months after travel to endemic areas. Early detection and treatment with antiparasitic medications can prevent serious complications like liver damage and bladder problems.

What are the symptoms of schistosomiasis?

Symptoms of schistosomiasis include fever, chills, muscle aches, and a skin rash at the site where the parasites entered your body, typically appearing within days of infection. As the infection progresses over weeks to months, you might notice abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, blood in urine, painful urination, and chronic digestive problems. Many people with schistosomiasis experience fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss as the parasites damage internal organs.

Who is at risk for schistosomiasis?

People who travel to or live in tropical and subtropical regions where schistosomiasis is endemic are at highest risk, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Your risk increases if you swim, bathe, fish, or work in freshwater sources like lakes, rivers, ponds, or irrigation canals in these areas. Children who play in contaminated water, agricultural workers in rice paddies, and fishermen have especially high exposure risk.

What happens if schistosomiasis is left untreated?

Untreated schistosomiasis can cause severe liver damage, including fibrosis and portal hypertension, as well as intestinal damage with chronic bleeding and anemia. The parasites can also cause bladder damage, kidney failure, and increased risk of bladder cancer in certain types of schistosomiasis. Long-term infections lead to growth stunting in children, impaired cognitive development, and reduced ability to work or attend school, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.

Can schistosomiasis be diagnosed with a blood test?

While blood tests can detect antibodies to schistosomiasis and are sometimes used for screening, stool and urine tests that directly identify parasite eggs are the gold standard for diagnosis. Blood tests may show elevated eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) and positive antibody results, but these indicate exposure rather than active infection. The most reliable diagnosis comes from finding Schistosoma eggs in stool or urine samples using microscopic examination with concentration techniques.

How is schistosomiasis treated?

Schistosomiasis is treated with praziquantel, an antiparasitic medication that kills adult schistosome worms with a single-day course of treatment taken by mouth. The standard dose is typically taken as two or three doses in one day, with high cure rates when taken as prescribed. Follow-up stool or urine testing is recommended several months after treatment to confirm the infection has been eliminated, and repeat treatment may be necessary in some cases.

How can I prevent schistosomiasis?

You can prevent schistosomiasis by avoiding swimming, bathing, or wading in freshwater sources in tropical regions where the disease is common, especially in Africa, South America, and parts of Asia. If you must enter potentially contaminated water, wear protective clothing like waterproof boots and apply waterproof sunscreen, and towel dry vigorously immediately after exposure to remove any larvae before they penetrate your skin. Drinking water should be boiled or filtered, and only swim in chlorinated pools or saltwater beaches in endemic areas.

What can I do at home for schistosomiasis?

While medical treatment with praziquantel is essential for schistosomiasis, you can support your recovery at home by staying well-hydrated, eating a nutrient-rich diet to combat anemia, and getting adequate rest to help your immune system fight the infection. Avoid alcohol to protect your liver, and monitor your symptoms carefully, reporting any worsening abdominal pain, bloody stools, or urinary symptoms to your healthcare provider. After treatment, avoid re-exposure to contaminated freshwater and follow up with stool testing to confirm the infection has cleared.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Schistosomiasis Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Schistosomiasis Blood Test & Stool Analysis

What is Schistosomiasis?

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by flatworms called schistosomes that infect millions of people in tropical regions worldwide. It is caused by exposure to contaminated freshwater containing larvae released by infected snails. The Ova and Parasites with Giardia Antigen stool test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly detects Schistosoma eggs in stool samples.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]