schistosoma
Definition
Noun: 1. A genus of parasitic flatworms: Schistosoma is the type genus of the family Schistosomatidae, comprising species commonly known as blood flukes. These are trematode parasites that cause the disease schistosomiasis in humans and other mammals.
Usage
- species have a complex life cycle involving freshwater snails and mammalian hosts.
- The most medically important species include , , and .
- Research on biology is crucial for developing new treatments for schistosomiasis.
Advanced Usage
- In taxonomic context: The genus name is always italicized in scientific writing. When used in a general sense, it is often not capitalized (e.g., "schistosome parasites").
- As a modifier: The term is frequently used adjectivally to describe related concepts (e.g., infection, eggs, genome).
Variants and Related Words
- Schistosome (n.): The common name for any parasitic flatworm of the genus . Often used interchangeably with "blood fluke."
- Schistosomatidae (n.): The biological family to which the genus belongs.
- Schistosomiasis (n.): The disease caused by infection with parasites, also known as bilharzia.
Synonyms
- Blood fluke (This is the common name for worms of this genus, though it can also refer to related genera within Schistosomatidae).
Notes on Meaning
The word Schistosoma refers specifically to the genus name in zoological taxonomy. It is not typically used in everyday language but is standard in medical, parasitological, and biological contexts. It should not be confused with the disease it causes (schistosomiasis).
Noun
-
type genus of the family Schistosomatidae: blood flukes
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