A genus of parasitic blood flukes belonging to the family Schistosomatidae, class Trematoda.
Schistosoma haematobium
A species common in Africa and southwestern Asia. Adults infest the pelvic veins of the vesical plexus. Eggs work their way through the bladder wall of the host and are discharged in the urine. Urinary schistosomiasis is caused by this organism.
Schistosoma japonicum
A species common in many parts of Asia. Adults live principally in branches of the superior mesenteric vein. Eggs work their way through the intestinal wall of the host into the lumen and are discharged with feces. Oriental schistosomiasis is caused by this species.
Schistosoma mansoni
A species occurring in many parts of Africa and tropical America, including the West Indies. Adults live in branches of the inferior mesenteric veins. Eggs are discharged through either the host’s intestine or bladder. This species causes bilharzial dysentery or Manson’s intestinal schistosomiasis.