schistosome
A schistosome is a parasitic flatworm that lives in the blood vessels of a mammal.
Noun: A parasitic flatworm of the genus Schistosoma that lives in the blood vessels of mammals, including humans, causing the disease schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia).
The word "schistosome" is a technical term used primarily in medical, parasitological, and biological contexts to refer to the specific parasitic worm.
Examples: * The life cycle of the schistosome involves freshwater snails as an intermediate host. * Infection occurs when schistosome larvae penetrate human skin during contact with contaminated water. * The primary symptom is caused by the eggs laid by the adult schistosome.
- Schistosome antigen: Refers to proteins or other molecules from the parasite that can trigger an immune response.
- Researchers are studying the schistosome antigen to develop a vaccine.
- Schistosome dermatitis: Also called "swimmer's itch," a skin rash caused by certain bird schistosome species that mistakenly penetrate human skin.
- Swimming in the lake gave him a case of schistosome dermatitis.
- Schistosomiasis (n): The disease caused by infection with schistosomes, characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, and organ damage.
- Schistosomal (adj): Relating to or caused by schistosomes.
- The patient was treated for schistosomal liver fibrosis.
- Blood fluke
- (This is the genus name; while closely related, it is more specific than "schistosome," which can refer to any member of the genus.)
The term refers exclusively to the parasitic worm itself. It does not refer to the disease, the symptoms, or the eggs, though these are all directly associated with it.
A schistosome is a parasitic flatworm that lives in the blood vessels of a mammal.
- flatworms parasitic in the blood vessels of mammals