Schistosoma mansoni: characterization of hemolytic activity from adult worms

Homogenates of adult Schistosoma mansoni worms contain a hemolytically active component(s). Centrifugation at 10,000 g shows the major activity is present in the pellet fraction. Red blood cell lysis with the schistosome hemolytic agent is optimal at acid pH (5.0) and highly temperature dependent. The hemolytic component is resistant to boiling (5 min) and stable for extended periods of time at 38 C (22 hr). The length of the lag phase prior to hemolysis and the rate of hemolysis are both concentration and temperature dependent. Following hemolysis, red blood cell ghosts remain.