Schistosoma species

Paul G. Auwaerter, M.D.
Schistosoma species is a topic covered in the Johns Hopkins ABX Guide.

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MICROBIOLOGY

  • Helminths (Phylum Platyhelminthes, Class Trematoda) that cause schistosomiasis AKA blood flukes or bilharzia.
  • Highly prevalent throughout tropical and lower resource countries.
    • Freshwater infection, water mollusks intermediate hosts → infective cercariae enter the skin.
    • Life cycle (Schistosoma): photos of egg forms of S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. japonicum.
  • Three major species, geographically distinct:
    • S. mansoni (Africa, Middle East, Caribbean, South America)
    • S. haematobium (Africa, Middle East)
    • S. japonicum (China, Southeast Asia, Philippines)
    • Minor species:
      • S. intercalatum (West and Central Africa, usually a cause of lower GI tract disease)
      • S. mekongi (Laos, Cambodia)

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Last updated: September 5, 2019