WHAT IS IT?
Schistosoma is a a genus of trematodes (flukes). There are more then one species that fall within this genus that include:
Schistosoma haematobium: this egg has a terminal spine.
![Visual appearance of (source)](http://www.stepwards.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/S_haematobium_egg_2X2a.jpg)
TRANSMISSION
Cercariae (free swimming larvae stage) penetrate the skin of humans. Swimming in snail infested waters is generally the way this parasite is acquired (“swimmer’s itch”).
![The life cycle of this parasite is outlined in the image above (source)](http://www.stepwards.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/schistosomiasis_lifecycle.jpg)
These organisms mature in the lung and then migrate to the liver.
CONDITIONS CAUSED
Pulmonary hypertension/pulmonary arterial hypertension
TREATMENT
Praziquantel: is an anthelmintic used for the treatment of tapeworms and flukes.
OTHER HY FACTS
Snail hosts: house the organisms.
Organisms specific associations:
- Schistosoma haematobium: Hematuria, squamous cell bladder cancer
- Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum: Portal hypertension
Page Updated: 06.23.2016