Schistosoma [Schistosoma]

Description

Schistosoma is a genus of trematodes, commonly known as blood flukes. They are parasitic flatworms responsible for a highly significant group of infections in humans and other mammals, known as schistosomiasis. These parasites are characterized by their elongated bodies and by a complex life cycle that involves specific freshwater snail species as intermediate hosts. The adult worms live in the blood vessels of the intestines or urinary bladder, leading to disease in the host. Marine representatives are not directly involved, as Schistosoma species typically infest freshwater habitats; however, their lifecycle and impact on human health have been extensively studied due to their medical importance.