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Cercarial Transformation and in vitro Cultivation of Schistosoma mansoni Schistosomules
Published on: August 16, 2011
Diversification, dioecy and dimorphism in schistosomes
1Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, 167 Castetter Hall, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. esloker@unm.edu
Trends in Parasitology
|September 19, 2006
Summary
Schistosomes, parasites causing neglected diseases, exhibit unique biology. Phylogenetic studies reveal their exclusive endotherm parasitism, influencing their evolution of dimorphism and mating systems.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Helminthology
Background:
- Schistosomes are parasitic flatworms responsible for neglected tropical diseases.
- They possess unique biological traits, including dwelling within host blood and exhibiting separate sexes.
- Understanding their evolutionary history is crucial for interpreting their biology and host interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reconstruct the phylogeny of schistosomes using comprehensive sampling.
- To infer the evolutionary origins of schistosome biology, including host specificity and sexual dimorphism.
- To provide a framework for understanding the biology of disease-causing schistosome species.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analyses incorporating diverse schistosome species and related taxa.
- Comparative biological studies to infer evolutionary trends.
- Analysis of host-parasite relationships and habitat preferences.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic studies suggest schistosomes exclusively parasitize endotherms.
- The hepatic portal system habitat is inferred to have driven the evolution of a filiform body and dioecy.
- Sexual dimorphism and mating systems are shaped by transmission opportunities and vascular habitat characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Schistosome biology, including their parasitic lifestyle and sexual characteristics, is deeply rooted in their evolutionary history.
- A comparative evolutionary approach offers significant insights into schistosome biology and pathogenesis.
- This framework aids in understanding human-pathogenic schistosome species.
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