What happens if schistosomiasis is not treated?
If schistosomiasis is left untreated and eggs are retained in the body, long-term effects include bleeding and ulceration in the bladder or intestine. The long-term infection can also lead to liver damage, kidney failure and cancer. If the eggs escape into general circulation they can become lodged in different organs, leading to damage of the heart, lung, gut and central nervous system. Repeated infections over the years can eventually damage your liver, intestines, lungs and bladder.
