Exposure history most consistent with schistosomiasis?

Exposure history most consistent with schistosomiasis?

• A. Ingestion of undercooked pork
• B. Recent freshwater exposure while swimming in tropical regions
• C. Air travel exposure
• D. Skin contact with an infected person

Answer: (B)

Schistosomiasis is acquired when skin comes into contact with freshwater that contains larval forms released by aquatic snails in endemic areas. The cercariae penetrate intact skin and migrate to the bloodstream, leading to infection. Because of this life cycle, the classic exposure history is recent freshwater swimming or bathing in tropical regions. The other scenarios don’t fit because schistosomiasis isn’t spread by eating undercooked pork, by air travel, or through casual skin-to-skin contact with an infected person—the transmission requires contact with contaminated water and snail-derived cercariae.

Schistosomiasis is acquired when skin comes into contact with freshwater that contains larval forms released by aquatic snails in endemic areas. The cercariae penetrate intact skin and migrate to the bloodstream, leading to infection. Because of this life cycle, the classic exposure history is recent freshwater swimming or bathing in tropical regions. The other scenarios don’t fit because schistosomiasis isn’t spread by eating undercooked pork, by air travel, or through casual skin-to-skin contact with an infected person—the transmission requires contact with contaminated water and snail-derived cercariae.