Which type of schistosome is known to enter the bloodstream?

The type of schistosome known to enter the bloodstream is Schistosoma mansoni. This species is one of the most common causative agents of schistosomiasis and is found in various parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South America. After penetrating the skin, the cercariae form larvae that migrate through the body and eventually enter the bloodstream, where they develop into adult worms. S. mansoni primarily inhabits the mesenteric veins, which are located around the intestines.

Schistosomiasis results from the inflammatory response to the eggs laid by the adult worms. This condition can lead to a range of health issues, including gastrointestinal problems and hepato-splenomegaly. Understanding S. mansoni's pathway through the bloodstream is critical for addressing the disease's transmission and implementing effective public health measures.

While other schistosomes, such as Schistosoma hematobium and Schistosoma japonicum, also enter the human system and cause similar diseases, their specific patterns of distribution and the types of veins they inhabit differ from S. mansoni. Schistosoma hematobium, for instance, primarily affects the venous plexus of the bladder, and Schistosoma japonicum is predominantly found in the intestinal