The main difference between Schistosoma mansoni and haematobium is that S. mansoni causes intestinal schistosomiasis, whereas S. haematobium causes urinary schistosomiasis.
Schistosoma mansoni and haematobium are two species of the genus of trematodes. They are commonly known as blood flukes.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Schistosoma Mansoni
– Definition, Facts, Features
2. What is Schistosoma Haematobium
– Definition, Facts, Features
3. Similarities Between Schistosoma Mansoni and Haematobium
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Schistosoma Mansoni and Haematobium
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Schistosoma Mansoni and Haematobium
– Answers to frequently asked questions
Key Terms
Schistosoma Haematobium, Schistosoma Mansoni
What is Schistosoma Mansoni
S. mansoni is a water-borne parasite of humans that is a group of blood flukes. Adult parasites live in blood vessels called mesenteric veins near the human intestine. They cause intestinal schistosomiasis. Typically, S. mansoni occurs in Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname.
Figure 1: Schistosoma Mansoni Life Cycle
Furthermore, two host types occur in the life cycle of S. mansoni. They are the definitive host and the intermediate host. Sexual reproduction of the parasites occurs inside the definitive host. In contrast, a series of asexual reproduction of S. mansoni occurs inside the intermediate host. Humans serve as the definitive host, while freshwater snails of the genus Biomphalaria serve as the intermediate host.
What is Schistosoma Haematobium
S. haematobium is a type of urinary blood fluke found in Africa and the Middle East. Urinary schistosomiasis is a disease caused by S. haematobium. The adults of S. haematobium live in venous plexuses around the urinary bladder. They release eggs through the walls of the urinary bladder. It causes fibrosis and haematuria of the bladder. Then, it results in the calcification of the bladder, which increases the pressure on the uterus and kidney. That situation is called hydronephrosis.
Figure 2: S. haematobium Life Cycle
Moreover, the definitive host of S. haematobium is humans, while the intermediate host is freshwater snails.
Similarities Between Schistosoma Mansoni and Haematobium
- Schistosoma mansoni and haematobium are two species of the genus Schistosoma.
- They cause schistosomiasis, the second-most socioeconomically devastating parasitic disease.
- They are commonly known as blood flukes.
- They are parasitic flatworms.
- Their intermediate host is a snail, and the definitive host is a human.
Difference Between Schistosoma Mansoni and Haematobium
Definition
Schistosoma mansoni refers to a water-borne parasite of humans and belongs to the group of blood flukes (Schistosoma). Meanwhile, S. haematobium refers to (urinary blood fluke) is a species of digenetic trematode, belonging to a group (genus) of blood flukes (Schistosoma).
Origin
The geographical distribution of S. mansoni is in Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Brazil, Venezuela, and Suriname, while the geographical distribution of S. haematobium refers to Africa and the Middle East.
Type of Schistosomiasis
S.mansoni causes intestinal schistosomiasis while S. haematobium causes urinary schistosomiasis.
Size
The male size of S. mansoni is 1 cm by 1 mm, while the male size of S. haematobium is 1.5 cm by 1 mm. The female size of S. mansoni is 1.4 cm by 0.25 mm, while the female size of S. haematobium is 2 cm by 0.25 mm.
Egg Morphology
S. mansoni eggs have a lateral spine near the posterior end; its anterior end is tapered and slightly curved, while S. haematobium eggs have a terminal spine.
Occurrence
S. mansoni occurs in stool, while S. haematobium occurs in urine.
FAQ: Schistosoma Mansoni and Haematobium
How do we differentiate the Schistosoma species?
Egg morphology is the distinguishing feature of Schistosoma species. S. mansoni produces oval eggs (115-175 x 45-7µm) with a sharp lateral spine.
What is the difference between mansoni and japonicum?
The most pathogenic of the schistosoma species is japonicum, which produces 3000 eggs per day. Also, it leads to Katayama fever, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, liver portal hypertension, splenomegaly, and ascites.
What are the distinctive characteristics of Schistosoma Haematobium?
The adult worms of the S. haematobium are 1–2 cm long with a cylindrical body that features two terminal suckers, a complex tegument, a blind digestive tract, and reproductive organs.
Conclusion
In brief, S. mansoni and S. haematobium are two species of the genus of blood flukes. S. mansoni causes intestinal schistosomiasis. It has a lateral spine and occurs in stool. In comparison, S. haematobium causes urinary schistosomiasis. However, it has a terminal spine. Also, it appears in urine. Therefore, the main difference between S. mansoni and S. haematobium is the type of disease they cause.
References:
1. “CDC – Dpdx – Schistosomiasis Infection.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 Aug. 2019
Image Courtesy:
- “03 Hegasy Schistosomiasis Wiki EN CCBYSA” By Guido4 – Own Work (CC BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “S. haematobium life cycle” By Chhandama – Own Work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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