Pronunciation: [ʃˌɪstəsˈə͡ʊmə] (IPA) 
The word "schistosoma" is a type of parasite that causes a disease known as schistosomiasis. It is spelled with the letter "s" followed by "ch" and then "i" and "sto", which are pronounced with the "i" as "ih" and the "o" as "oh" sound. This is followed by "so" and "ma". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "schistosoma" is spelled /ʃɪstəˈsoʊmə/, indicating the "sh" sound for "sch" and the stress on the second syllable.
Schistosoma is a genus of parasitic worms called blood flukes that belong to the class Trematoda. These worms are known to cause a disease called schistosomiasis, also referred to as bilharzia. Schistosoma parasites have a complex life cycle that involves two hosts: freshwater snails act as intermediate hosts whereas humans and other mammals serve as definitive hosts.
The adult Schistosoma worms inhabit the blood vessels of their definitive hosts where they lay eggs. These eggs are then released into the external environment through the host's urine or feces. Once in the water, the eggs hatch into larvae, called miracidia, which in turn infect freshwater snails. Within the snail, the miracidia undergo asexual reproduction, resulting in the production of numerous daughter larvae called cercariae.
The cercariae are capable of penetrating the skin of humans who come into contact with contaminated water during activities such as swimming, bathing, or working. Once inside the human body, the larvae further develop into adults, completing the life cycle. Symptoms of schistosomiasis can vary depending on the species of Schistosoma involved, but commonly include fever, cough, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the urine or stool. Chronic infection can lead to serious complications such as liver and kidney damage, bladder cancer, or damage to the intestines or blood vessels.
Prevention of schistosomiasis primarily involves avoiding contact with contaminated water sources, providing safe water and sanitation facilities, and controlling the snail population in areas where the disease is endemic. Treatment usually involves medication targeted at killing the adult worms and alleviating symptoms.
Schistosomum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "schistosoma" is derived from the Greek words "schistos" (σχιστός), meaning "split" or "divided", and "soma" (σῶμα), meaning "body". This name was given to the genus of parasitic trematode worms (flatworms) known as Schistosoma due to their unique feature of having separate sexes. The male and female worms reside in a paired, sexually-differentiated manner within the body. The name reflects this distinctive characteristic of the organism.
