Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026
09:53
In vivo Imaging of Transgenic Leishmania Parasites in a Live Host
Published on: July 27, 2010
16.6K
Intestinal schistosomiasis: a very long-lived tropical parasite
I Potters1, L Van Duffel2, G Broeckx3
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
Summary
A rare case of intestinal schistosomiasis was identified in a patient with no recent European travel history. This finding highlights the potential for dormant infections to reactivate years after migration.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by flatworms of the Schistosoma genus.
- Intestinal schistosomiasis is typically associated with travel to endemic areas.
Observation:
- A case of intestinal schistosomiasis was diagnosed in a patient who had lived in Europe for 20 years without recent travel.
- The patient presented with symptoms indicative of an active parasitic infection.
Findings:
- Morphological analysis of Schistosoma mansoni eggs confirmed the presence of an active intestinal infection.
- The case challenges the assumption that schistosomiasis is exclusively acquired through recent travel to endemic regions.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering schistosomiasis in patients with a remote travel history, especially after prolonged periods.
- It suggests that Schistosoma infections can remain dormant for decades and reactivate.
- Further research into the long-term viability and reactivation patterns of Schistosoma parasites is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
87.3K
Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
87.3K
02:40Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
16.8K
Plants often form mutualistic relationships with soil-dwelling fungi or bacteria to enhance their roots’ nutrient uptake ability. Root-colonizing fungi (e.g., mycorrhizae) increase a plant’s root surface area, which promotes nutrient absorption. While root-colonizing, nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., rhizobia) convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3), making nitrogen available to plants for various biological functions. For example, nitrogen is essential for the...
16.8K
01:15Small Intestine
3.8K
The small intestine is primarily responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption. It spans from the pyloric sphincter to the ileocecal valve and connects to the large intestine.
The small intestine is divided into three main sections - the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum, approximately 25 cm long, is nearest the stomach. It acts as a 'mixing bowl,' where chyme (partially digested food) blends with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and liver. The duodenum's unique...
The small intestine is divided into three main sections - the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum, approximately 25 cm long, is nearest the stomach. It acts as a 'mixing bowl,' where chyme (partially digested food) blends with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and liver. The duodenum's unique...
3.8K
01:09Large Intestine
4.9K
The large intestine is divided into three main regions: the cecum, colon, and rectum. Extending from the ileocecal valve to the anus, it frames the small intestine on three sides.
The ileocecal sphincter, a mucous membrane fold, guards the opening from the ileum to the large intestine. This valve permits material from the small intestine to pass into the large intestine. Attached to the ileocecal valve is the cecum. This small pouch, approximately 6 cm long, has a twisted, coiled tube known as...
The ileocecal sphincter, a mucous membrane fold, guards the opening from the ileum to the large intestine. This valve permits material from the small intestine to pass into the large intestine. Attached to the ileocecal valve is the cecum. This small pouch, approximately 6 cm long, has a twisted, coiled tube known as...
4.9K
01:26Histology of the Large Intestine
3.0K
The large intestine, a vital component of the gastrointestinal tract, is structured with four main layers: the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. Each layer performs a distinct role in facilitating the smooth functioning of the large intestine.
The innermost mucosa layer comprises simple columnar epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae. This layer is primarily populated with absorptive cells, tasked with water absorption, and goblet cells, responsible for secreting mucus to...
The innermost mucosa layer comprises simple columnar epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae. This layer is primarily populated with absorptive cells, tasked with water absorption, and goblet cells, responsible for secreting mucus to...
3.0K
01:27Histology of the Small Intestine
3.7K
The small intestine exhibits a unique histological structure that significantly enhances its function in digestion and nutrient absorption. These structures include circular folds, villi, and various specialized cells that collectively facilitate the digestion of food.
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...
3.7K