Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2025
05:30
Cercarial Transformation and in vitro Cultivation of Schistosoma mansoni Schistosomules
Published on: August 16, 2011
18.2K
Single-sex schistosomiasis: a mini review
Haoran Zhong1,2, Yamei Jin1,2
1National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.
Frontiers in Immunology
|May 8, 2023
Summary
Single-sex schistosomes, crucial for disease transmission and praziquantel resistance, are often overlooked. Research on these parasites and host interactions is vital for schistosomiasis elimination efforts.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Tropical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Schistosomiasis is a major neglected tropical disease caused by *Schistosoma* blood flukes.
- Mating is essential for schistosome egg production, driving disease pathogenesis and transmission.
- Single-sex infections are often asymptomatic and less responsive to praziquantel, complicating control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on single-sex schistosomes.
- To explore host-parasite interactions in single-sex infections.
- To highlight challenges in schistosomiasis elimination due to single-sex infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on *Schistosoma* infections.
- Analysis of host-parasite interactions in single-sex versus mixed-sex infections.
- Examination of praziquantel efficacy in single-sex schistosome infections.
Main Results:
- Single-sex schistosome infections are underdiagnosed and undertreated.
- These infections exhibit reduced susceptibility to praziquantel, the primary treatment.
- Understanding these infections is critical for effective disease control strategies.
Conclusions:
- Single-sex schistosomes present unique challenges for schistosomiasis elimination.
- Further research into their biology and treatment is urgently needed.
- Integrated approaches considering all infection types are necessary for disease eradication.
Related Concept Videos
01:43Sex-linked Disorders
102.5K
Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
102.5K
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
43
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
43