Schistosoma mansoni

This article is about the organism. For the infection, see Schistosomiasis.

Schistosoma mansoni
Schistosomes copulating
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Platyhelminthes
Class: Trematoda
Order: Diplostomida
Family: Schistosomatidae
Genus: Schistosoma
Species:
S. mansoni
Binomial name
Schistosoma mansoni
Sambon, 1907
A paired couple of Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosoma mansoni is a water-borne parasite of humans, and belongs to the group of blood flukes (Schistosoma). The adult lives in the blood vessels (mesenteric veins) near the human intestine. It causes intestinal schistosomiasis (similar to S. japonicum, S. mekongi, S. guineensis, and S. intercalatum). Clinical symptoms are caused by the eggs. As the leading cause of schistosomiasis in the world, it is the most prevalent parasite in humans. It is classified as a neglected tropical disease. As of 2021, the World Health Organization reports that 251.4 million people have schistosomiasis and most of it is due to S. mansoni.[1] It is found in Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname.[1]

Unlike other flukes (trematodes) in which sexes are not separate (monoecious), schistosomes are unique in that adults are divided into males and females, thus, gonochoric. However, a permanent male-female pair, a condition called in copula, is required to become adults; for this, they are considered as hermaphrodites.

The life cycle of schistosomes includes two hosts: humans as definitive hosts, where the parasite undergoes sexual reproduction, and snails as intermediate hosts, where a series of asexual reproduction takes place. S. mansoni is transmitted through water, where freshwater snails of the genus Biomphalaria act as intermediate hosts. The larvae are able to live in water and infect the hosts by directly penetrating the skin. Prevention of infection is done by improved sanitation and killing the snails. Infection is treated with praziquantel.

S. mansoni was first noted by Theodor Maximillian Bilharz in Egypt in 1851, while discovering S. haematobium. Sir Patrick Manson identified it as unique species in 1902. Louis Westenra Sambon gave the name Schistosomum mansoni in 1907 in honour of Manson.[2][3][4]

  1. ^ a b "Schistosomiasis". www.who.int. World Health Organization. 1 February 2023. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  2. ^ Sambon, L.W. (1907). "Remarks on Schistosomum mansoni". Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 10: 303–304.
  3. ^ Birch, CA (1974). "Schistosoma mansoni. Sir Patrick Manson, 1844–1922". The Practitioner. 213 (1277): 730–2. PMID 4156405.
  4. ^ Swanner, Yann A. Meunier; with contributions from Michael Hole, Takudzwa Shumba & B.J. (2014). Tropical Diseases : a Practical Guide for Medical Practitioners and Students. Oxford: Oxford University Press, USA. p. 40. ISBN 9780199997909.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)