Schistosoma
Schistosoma
Schistosoma (pronunciation: /ʃɪstəˈsoʊmə/) 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.
Etymology
The term "Schistosoma" (from Greek: schistos, meaning "split", and soma, meaning "body") was coined in the year 1856 by Theodor Bilharz, a German pathologist working in Egypt.
Classification
Schistosoma belongs to the phylum Platyhelminthes, class Trematoda, and family Schistosomatidae. There are several species, the most significant of which are Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma haematobium, and Schistosoma japonicum.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Schistosoma involves two hosts: a definitive host (human) and an intermediate host (snail). The adult worms live in the blood vessels of the human host, where they produce eggs. Some of these eggs are passed out of the body in feces or urine to continue the life cycle. If these eggs reach fresh water, they hatch into free-swimming larvae (miracidia) which can infect a specific snail host. Within the snail, the larvae develop into another stage (cercariae), which are released from the snail and can penetrate the skin of humans in contact with the contaminated water.
Disease
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is caused by the parasitic worm Schistosoma. It is a major public health problem in many tropical and subtropical areas. The disease can cause chronic ill health and is associated with significant morbidity.
Treatment
The drug of choice for treatment of schistosomiasis is Praziquantel. It is effective against all species of Schistosoma.
Prevention
Prevention of schistosomiasis is focused on reducing exposure to contaminated water. This can be achieved through the provision of safe water supplies, improved sanitation, and health education.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Schistosoma
- Wikipedia's article - Schistosoma
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