Schistosome migration in primates: a study in the olive baboon (Papio anubis)

The migration of isotopically labelled schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni from the skin to the hepatic portal system of baboons was tracked by autoradiography of compressed organ preparations. Passage of schistosomula from skin to lungs was rapid between days 2 and 5, 72% of applied parasites being detected in the lungs at the latter time. There was an equally rapid migration from lungs to liver, 60% of the adult worm burden having arrived by day 9. Perfusion data indicated a final maturation of not less than 78%. No evidence was found to support or refute a systemic phase of migration. Thus, in comparison to rodents, schistosome migration in baboons appears to be faster and more successful, possibly because the lungs do not represent a significant obstacle to migration.