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Developmental plasticity in schistosomes and other helminths
Stephen J Davies1, James H McKerrow
1Tropical Disease Research Unit, Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. sdavies@cgl.ucsf.edu
International Journal for Parasitology
|September 19, 2003
Summary
Helminth life cycles show developmental plasticity to improve host transmission. This review examines if schistosomes exhibit similar host-factor-driven developmental changes, though their biological significance remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Helminthology
Background:
- Developmental plasticity in helminths often enhances host transmission.
- The genus Schistosoma, a type of digenean trematode, may exhibit limited developmental plasticity in response to host factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing data on developmental responses in schistosomes.
- To compare these responses with those observed in other helminth life cycles.
- To clarify the biological significance of schistosome developmental plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on helminth life cycle plasticity.
- Comparative analysis of developmental responses in schistosomes versus other helminths.
Main Results:
- Schistosomes show some evidence of limited developmental responses to host factors.
- The biological significance of these responses in schistosomes is currently unclear.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to determine if developmental plasticity aids schistosome transmission and propagation in adverse conditions.
- Understanding this plasticity is crucial for helminth control strategies.