Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus of parasitic flatworms: "Genus Schistosoma" is the type genus of the family Schistosomatidae. It comprises species of trematode worms, commonly known as blood flukes, which are responsible for the disease schistosomiasis in humans and other mammals.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The life cycle of genus Schistosoma involves freshwater snails as an intermediate host.
  • Scientists are studying the genetics of genus Schistosoma to develop new treatments.
  • Infection with parasites from genus Schistosoma causes significant public health problems in tropical regions.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic context: The name is always italicized in scientific writing, with the genus name capitalized: Schistosoma. When used in a general sense, it may not be italicized (e.g., "worms of the genus Schistosoma").
• As a modifier: It can function attributively to describe related concepts.
  • Schistosoma infection (an infection caused by this genus).
  • Schistosoma eggs (eggs laid by these parasites).

Variants and Related Words

• Schistosoma (n): The singular form, referring to the genus itself or, informally, to an individual organism belonging to it.
• Schistosome (n): The common name for any parasitic flatworm of the genus ; a blood fluke.
• Schistosomatidae (n): The biological family to which this genus belongs.
• Schistosomiasis (n): The disease caused by infection with schistosomes, also known as bilharzia.

Synonyms

• Blood flukes (common name)
• Bilharzia worms (common name, based on an older synonym for the disease)

Related Terms and Phrases

• Trematode: The class of parasitic flatworms to which schistosomes belong.
• Type genus: In taxonomy, the genus that defines a family. is the type genus for Schistosomatidae.
• Intermediate host: An organism that hosts the immature, non-reproductive stage of a parasite. For , this is a specific type of freshwater snail.

Noun

1. type genus of the family Schistosomatidae: blood flukes