Blood flukes

Definition

Blood flukes are parasitic flatworms that belong to the genus Schistosoma. They infect the blood vessels of their hosts, leading to schistosomiasis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Blood flukes are treated using antiparasitic drugs, primarily praziquantel.
2. Schistosomiasis is one of the most significant parasitic diseases affecting humans globally.
3. The life cycle of blood flukes involves freshwater snails as intermediate hosts.
4. Infection occurs when larvae in contaminated water penetrate human skin.
5. Resistance to praziquantel, although rare, poses a potential challenge in treating schistosomiasis.

Review Questions

• Which drug is commonly used to treat infections caused by blood flukes?
• What role do freshwater snails play in the life cycle of blood flukes?
• How do humans typically become infected with blood flukes?

Related terms

Praziquantel: An antiparasitic drug used to treat schistosomiasis and other parasitic worm infections.

Schistosomiasis: A disease caused by infection with Schistosoma parasites, also known as blood flukes.

Flatworms: A group of simple bilaterian, unsegmented, soft-bodied invertebrates including parasitic species such as blood flukes.