Schistosoma mansoni facts for kids

Schistosoma mansoni is a tiny worm that lives inside people, mostly in their intestines. It's a type of parasite, which means it lives off another living thing (like you!) and can cause problems. This worm is one of the main causes of a disease called schistosomiasis, specifically the kind that affects your intestines.

Understanding Schistosoma Mansoni

What is this tiny worm?

Schistosoma mansoni is a type of trematode, which is a flatworm. It's so small you can't see it without a microscope. These worms are special because they need two different hosts to complete their life cycle. One host is a certain type of freshwater snail, and the other host is a human.

How does it live? (Life Cycle)

The life cycle of Schistosoma mansoni is quite interesting and involves several stages. It shows how the worm spreads and grows.

From eggs to snails

The adult worms live inside the blood vessels of infected people, usually near the intestines. They lay many tiny eggs. These eggs leave the human body through waste. If the waste gets into fresh water, the eggs hatch into tiny, swimming larvae called miracidia. These miracidia then look for a specific type of freshwater snail to infect.

From snails to people

Once inside the snail, the miracidia grow and change into a different type of larva called cercariae. These cercariae are also tiny and can swim. They leave the snail and swim freely in the water. If a person comes into contact with this water (for example, by swimming or washing clothes), the cercariae can burrow through their skin.

Inside the human body

After entering the human body, the cercariae travel through the bloodstream. They grow into adult worms, which then settle in the blood vessels around the intestines. Here, the male and female worms pair up and start laying eggs, and the whole cycle begins again.

What problems can it cause?

When Schistosoma mansoni worms live in a person's body, they can cause a disease called intestinal schistosomiasis. This disease can lead to various health issues. People might feel tired, have stomach pain, or experience diarrhea. Over a long time, if not treated, it can cause more serious problems with organs like the liver.

How can we stay safe?

The best way to prevent getting infected with Schistosoma mansoni is to avoid contact with contaminated fresh water. This means:

• Not swimming or wading in freshwater lakes, rivers, or ponds in areas where the worm is common.
• Using clean, safe water for drinking, bathing, and washing clothes.
• Making sure human waste is disposed of properly so that eggs don't get into water sources.

Doctors can also give medicine to people who are infected to help get rid of the worms.

Images for kids

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  A paired couple of Schistosoma mansoni.

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  Life cycle of Schistosoma mansoni.

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  A Schistosoma mansoni egg with the characteristic lateral spine

See also

In Spanish: Schistosoma mansoni para niños