An Overview on Present Situation of Cercarial Dermatitis: A Neglected Zoonotic Disease in Iran and the World

Human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) known as swimmer’s itch is a zoonotic disease caused by penetration of cercariae of birds or ruminants schistosomiasis through the human skin. The cercariae cannot develop to schistosomula and remains in the skin until it dies. In that case, the released protease enzymes cause dermatitis. Recently, this neglected disease has received much attention in different parts of the world. This study is a narrative review of the published articles regarding the present status of HCD. The data were collected from available scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Pubmed, Web of science, Scopus, Springer and Scientific Information Database (SID), Iran medex, etc. Trichobilharzia was identified as the main causative agent of HCD which includes over 40 species of avian parasites. Also, the aquatic birds (family Anatidae) are known as the main hosts of Trichobilharzia. Several snails are known as intermediate hosts of these agents, which Lymnea is dominant (in southern regions of Iran Melanoides Tubercolata). HCD is a job-related disease which is seen mostly in paddy field workers and swimmers due to contact with contaminated water. Few studies have been conducted in Iran on this disease, so further studies are suggested. Migratory birds have an important role in infecting water resources, consequently strategic plans to control the disease among birds that could also prevent the disease transmission to humans is recommended.