Schistosoma

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)
Visual appearance of Schistosoma haematobium egg (source)

Schistosoma mansoni: this egg has a lateral spine.

Visual appearance of a egg (source)
Visual appearance of a Schistosoma mansoni egg (source)

Schistosoma japonicum

Visual appearance of Schisto japonicum egg (source)
Visual appearance of Schisto japonicum egg (source)
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)
The life cycle of this parasite is outlined in the image above (source)

These organisms mature in the lung and then migrate to the liver.

CONDITIONS CAUSED

Schistosomiasis

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