Schistosoma mansoni: ultrastructure of adults from mice treated with oxamniquine

The in vivo effects of a single oral dose (50 mg/kg) of oxamniquine on the ultrastructure of Schistosoma mansoni were investigated. In male worms, severe disruption of the tegument and gastrodermis took place, and extensive extracellular spaces developed between the cells of the internal tissues. Elimination of the damaged worms was associated with complete tegumental breakdown and encapsulation by host cells. A small proportion of females showed similar drug-induced changes and were also eliminated. In the residual females, no drug-induced morphological damage was observed even after a second dose of oxamniquine. However, these females became much reduced in size, and regression of the organs of the reproductive system took place. It is suggested that such regressive changes resulted from discontinued male stimulation rather than the direct effect of oxamniquine.