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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
12:05
Mass Isolation and In Vitro Cultivation of Intramolluscan Stages of the Human Blood Fluke Schistosoma Mansoni
Published on: January 14, 2018
[Bilharziasis or schistosomiasis].
Dominique Richard-Lenoble1, Thanh Hai Duong
1Service de parasitologie, CHRU hôpital Bretonneau, 37044 Tours. drl@med.univ-tours.fr
La Revue Du Praticien
|April 17, 2007
Summary
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease, has evolved with new species and hybrid forms. Control efforts face challenges from environmental changes and drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology and Tropical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Context:
- Schistosomiasis, known since antiquity, involves multiple *Schistosoma* species identified over centuries.
- Recent discoveries include hybrid species and increasing importance of *S. japonicum* and *S. mekongi* due to population movements.
- Environmental factors like irrigation schemes and human migration significantly impact disease prevalence and transmission dynamics.
Purpose:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the historical identification and current epidemiological landscape of schistosomiasis.
- To highlight challenges in schistosomiasis control, including species identification, host-parasite interactions, and diagnostic difficulties.
- To discuss current therapeutic strategies and emerging issues like drug resistance and environmental influences.
Summary:
- The study traces the identification of *Schistosoma* species from *S. haematobium* to hybrid forms, emphasizing the growing threat of *S. japonicum* and *S. mekongi*.
- It details diagnostic challenges, particularly in early stages, and confirms diagnosis via egg detection, noting serology and hypereosinophilia in the invasive phase.
- Current control relies on praziquantel, but resistance is emerging, necessitating exploration of alternatives like artemether, while environmental modifications favor transmission.
Impact:
- Enhances understanding of schistosomiasis's complex etiology and evolving epidemiology.
- Identifies critical obstacles in disease control, including diagnostic limitations and the need for integrated management strategies.
- Underscores the impact of environmental changes and human activities on parasite transmission and the urgent need for sustainable control measures and novel therapeutics.
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