Schistosome

Schistosome is a genus of trematodes, commonly known as blood flukes. They are parasitic flatworms responsible for a highly significant group of infections in humans termed schistosomiasis, which is considered by the World Health Organization as the second-most socioeconomically devastating parasitic disease (after malaria).

Taxonomy and species

The schistosomes - derived from the Greek words schisto (split) and soma (body) - are named for the longitudinal division of their bodies, which are split into two parts (one containing the male and the other the female). There are 23 known species of schistosomes. The key species infecting humans are:

• Schistosoma mansoni (found in Africa and South America, and the Caribbean)
• Schistosoma haematobium (found in Africa and the Middle East)
• Schistosoma japonicum (found in Far East, particularly China and the Philippines)
• Schistosoma mekongi and Schistosoma intercalatum (found in Southeast Asia and central West Africa, respectively)

Life cycle

The life cycle of schistosomes includes two hosts: the definitive host (human) where the parasite undergoes sexual reproduction, and the intermediate host (snail) where asexual multiplication occurs. The life cycle stages include: eggs, miracidia, sporocysts, cercariae, and adults.

Disease

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is the disease caused by infection of a schistosome parasite. The disease can manifest in different forms in the human body, primarily urinary, intestinal, and hepatic. The severity of the disease is dependent on the number of worms and eggs present in the body and the body's immune response to them.

Treatment and control

The primary method of treatment is the use of the drug praziquantel. Control of the disease is focused on reducing the population of the intermediate snail hosts, improving sanitation and health education.

See also

• Trematodes
• Parasitic diseases
• World Health Organization

Schistosome Resources
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