Question

Which among the following is also known by the name blood fluke?

• A. Schistosoma
• B. Echinococcus
• C. Fasciola
• D. Taenia

Answer 1

The correct option is A Schistosoma

Schistosomiasis or snail fever is caused by blood flukes from the genus Schistosoma. Schistosoma requires the use of two hosts to complete its life cycle. Depending on the Schistosoma species their eggs are shed either in the feces or urine of an infected human. If the feces end up in water, larvae called miracidia hatch and start finding certain species of freshwater snails. When they find a snail they penetrate its foot and transform into sporocysts (another larval form). These primary sporocysts multiply asexually into secondary sporocysts and travel to the snail's hepatopancreas. They multiply asexually producing hundreds of cercariae (another larval form). Cercariae exit the snail and start waiting in the water. When they sense that human skin is near, they quickly swim and attach with suckers. They find a suitable spot (usually a hair follicle) and penetrate the skin using special enzymes. So, option A is correct.