Which genus includes species that cause Schistosomiasis?

Which genus includes species that cause Schistosomiasis?

• A. Plasmodium
• B. Giardia
• C. Trichomonas
• D. Schistosoma

Answer: (D)

Schistosomiasis is caused by blood flukes in the genus Schistosoma. These parasitic trematodes live in the human bloodstream and release eggs that can become trapped in tissues such as the liver and bladder, leading to inflammation and long-term organ damage. The life cycle also involves freshwater snails as intermediate hosts, and humans typically become infected when skin is exposed to water containing the free-swimming cercariae. This distinguishes Schistosoma from the other options: Plasmodium causes malaria, Giardia is a protozoan that causes giardiasis, and Trichomonas is a protozoan that causes trichomoniasis. Therefore, Schistosoma is the genus that includes species responsible for schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is caused by blood flukes in the genus Schistosoma. These parasitic trematodes live in the human bloodstream and release eggs that can become trapped in tissues such as the liver and bladder, leading to inflammation and long-term organ damage. The life cycle also involves freshwater snails as intermediate hosts, and humans typically become infected when skin is exposed to water containing the free-swimming cercariae. This distinguishes Schistosoma from the other options: Plasmodium causes malaria, Giardia is a protozoan that causes giardiasis, and Trichomonas is a protozoan that causes trichomoniasis. Therefore, Schistosoma is the genus that includes species responsible for schistosomiasis.