Schistosoma bovis

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Schistosoma life cycle.svg


Schistosoma bovis

Schistosoma bovis is a species of parasitic worm belonging to the genus Schistosoma. It is one of the causative agents of schistosomiasis in domestic animals, particularly affecting cattle and other livestock. This species is primarily found in Africa and the Middle East.

Taxonomy[edit | edit source]

Schistosoma bovis is part of the family Schistosomatidae, which includes several other species that infect mammals. The genus Schistosoma is known for its complex life cycle involving both a mammalian host and a freshwater snail as an intermediate host.

Life Cycle[edit | edit source]

The life cycle of Schistosoma bovis involves two main hosts: a definitive mammalian host and an intermediate snail host. The adult worms reside in the blood vessels of the definitive host, where they reproduce and release eggs. These eggs exit the host through feces or urine and, upon reaching freshwater, hatch into miracidia. The miracidia infect suitable freshwater snails, where they develop into sporocysts and then cercariae. The cercariae are released into the water and can penetrate the skin of a new mammalian host, completing the cycle.

Pathology[edit | edit source]

Infection with Schistosoma bovis can lead to a condition known as schistosomiasis, which is characterized by inflammation and damage to the host's tissues. In cattle, this can result in symptoms such as weight loss, anemia, and reduced milk production. The severity of the disease depends on the intensity of the infection and the host's immune response.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

Schistosoma bovis is endemic in regions of Africa and the Middle East, where it poses a significant economic burden on livestock production. The distribution of the parasite is closely linked to the presence of suitable snail hosts and water bodies that facilitate the transmission of the cercariae.

Control and Prevention[edit | edit source]

Control measures for Schistosoma bovis focus on reducing the population of intermediate snail hosts and minimizing contact between livestock and contaminated water sources. Anthelmintic drugs can be used to treat infected animals, but prevention through improved management practices is crucial.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

Template:Schistosomatidae

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP1 injections from $125

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program NYC and a clinic to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our W8MD's physician supervised medical weight loss centers in NYC provides expert medical guidance, and offers telemedicine options for convenience.

Why choose W8MD?

Book Your Appointment

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss, and Philadelphia medical weight loss Call (718)946-5500 for NY and 215 676 2334 for PA

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's NYC physician weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available. Call 718 946 5500.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD