Work

The man from the stars: a narrative approach to neglected diseases

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this narrative medicine essay, a young migrant suffering from schistosomiasis unveils his story and his journey from Africa to the Alps. The hardships of a long voyage and the clinical history of the disease are described, combining the form of narrative medicine with a brief overview of the subject. Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease caused by a parasitic worm that lives in freshwater in subtropical and tropical regions. Such an infestation is debilitating but easy to diagnose and treat. Therefore, schistosomiasis should be suspected and recognized by doctors in every setting, as the number of international migrants, including those from sub-Saharan Africa, is growing rapidly.

Source: Italian Journal of Medicine

DOI: 10.4081/itjm.2025.1900

Authors: Paolo Agostinis, Teresa Michelutti, Laura Iogna Prat, Omar Simonetti

Institutions: Azienda sanitaria universitaria Friuli Centrale, University of Trieste

Language: English

Topic: Parasites and Host Interactions

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4408799872

FWCI:

Cites: 11

Cited by:

Related to: 10