Schistosoma mansoni

A species of trematode worm that parasitizes humans and that (like S. japonicum) causes liver and gastrointestinal tract disease. See Schistosomiasis.

* * *

a species found in the veins of animals in Egypt and elsewhere in Africa as well as in South America and the West Indies; it causes schistosomiasis mansoni by penetrating the skin of persons coming in contact with infested waters. The transmitting hosts are planorbid snails, especially those of the genus Biomphalaria.

Schistosoma mansoni egg, showing prominent lateral spine.