Final answer:
Schistosomiasis, caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. This disease affects various tissues and organs in the human body, leading to severe health issues, including cancer, especially in regions with large-scale irrigation where the disease is endemic.
Step-by-step explanation:
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by blood flukes, specifically species from the genus Schistosoma. These parasites are transmitted by snails and spread by contact with contaminated fresh water. The most common species causing schistosomiasis are Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, and S. japonicum.
Once in the human body, the flukes move through the bloodstream and can chronically infect various tissues. This can lead to severe damage to organs, including the liver, central nervous system, intestine, spleen, lungs, and bladder. Chronic infection with Schistosoma, particularly S. haematobium, is associated with an increased risk for developing bladder cancer.
Schistosomiasis affects an estimated 200 million people globally. The disease can lead to abdominal pain, liver enlargement, blood in the urine or stool, difficulty urinating, malnutrition, anemia, and learning difficulties in children. It occurs predominantly in areas with large-scale irrigation, having been a concern in places like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley for several thousand years.