Schistosoma intercalatum
Schistosoma intercalatum
Schistosoma intercalatum (pronunciation: skis-to-so-ma in-ter-ca-la-tum) is a species of trematodes in the genus Schistosoma, a group of parasitic flatworms, or flukes, that infect the vascular system of their hosts.
Etymology
The name Schistosoma intercalatum is derived from the Greek words "schistos" meaning split, and "soma" meaning body, referring to the split-like appearance of the male worm's body. The species name "intercalatum" is Latin for "inserted" or "intercalated", which may refer to the unique positioning of the male and female worms during copulation.
Description
Schistosoma intercalatum is a dioecious species, meaning that individual organisms are either male or female. The male is larger and has a gynecophoric canal, a groove in which the female resides. The female is slender and cylindrical.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Schistosoma intercalatum involves two hosts: a freshwater snail and a mammal, typically a human. The adult worms live in the blood vessels of the host, where they lay eggs. These eggs are excreted in the feces and, if they reach freshwater, hatch into miracidia, which infect snails. In the snail, the miracidia develop into cercariae, which are released into the water and can infect mammals.
Disease
Infection with Schistosoma intercalatum can lead to schistosomiasis, a disease that can cause serious damage to the liver, intestines, lungs, and bladder. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool or urine.
Treatment
Treatment for Schistosoma intercalatum infection typically involves the drug praziquantel, which kills the adult worms.
Prevention
Prevention of Schistosoma intercalatum infection involves avoiding contact with contaminated freshwater, as well as improving sanitation to prevent the contamination of water sources with feces containing the eggs of the parasite.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Schistosoma intercalatum
- Wikipedia's article - Schistosoma intercalatum
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