Start Date
2021
Description
Cercarial dermatitis, or swimmer’s itch (SI), is a highly irritating rash that humans can get after swimming in inland lakes and ponds. The rash is caused by the immune response to certain blood flukes, within the family Schistosomatidae, penetrating and dying within the skin. Earlier this year, researchers announced the discovery of a new avian schistosome that might also contribute to the SI nuisance. The schistosome, hereafter referred to as HAS (Helisoma Avian Schistosome), was discovered in a Helisoma snail and later in the fecal matter of a Canada goose. To test human reactivity to HAS, we designed three experiments that compared volunteer reactions to it and to Trichobilharzia stagnicolae (known causal agent of SI). Most of the subjects developed papules after exposure to T. stagnicolae, but not after exposure to the new schistosome. Preliminary experiments demonstrated that the chemical conditions to stimulate penetration are likely not identical between the two species.
Recommended Citation
Anderson, Nathan and DeJong, Randall, "Lay Down Your Arms: Does a Novel Avian Schistosome Cause Swimmer’s Itch?" (2021). Summer Research. 35.
https://digitalcommons.calvin.edu/summer_research/2021/Posters/35
Included in
Lay Down Your Arms: Does a Novel Avian Schistosome Cause Swimmer’s Itch?
Cercarial dermatitis, or swimmer’s itch (SI), is a highly irritating rash that humans can get after swimming in inland lakes and ponds. The rash is caused by the immune response to certain blood flukes, within the family Schistosomatidae, penetrating and dying within the skin. Earlier this year, researchers announced the discovery of a new avian schistosome that might also contribute to the SI nuisance. The schistosome, hereafter referred to as HAS (Helisoma Avian Schistosome), was discovered in a Helisoma snail and later in the fecal matter of a Canada goose. To test human reactivity to HAS, we designed three experiments that compared volunteer reactions to it and to Trichobilharzia stagnicolae (known causal agent of SI). Most of the subjects developed papules after exposure to T. stagnicolae, but not after exposure to the new schistosome. Preliminary experiments demonstrated that the chemical conditions to stimulate penetration are likely not identical between the two species.