Schistosomiasis

Question 1

How do you differentiate the different types of schistosomiasis?

Answer 1

lateral spike = mansoni
terminal spike = haematobium
if none at all = japonicum

Question 2

How does immunity manifest in schistosomiasis in animal models

Answer 2

• monkeys could destroy worms from a second infection
• immunity appears to operate. against the larval stages - but could be stimulated by larval and adult stages
• concomitant immunity

Question 3

What is concomitant immunity

Answer 3

To minimise intra-specific competition in schistosomiasis, the adult worm may protect the host against new infections

Question 4

How do adult schistosomes survive if they live in blood and are exposed to all aspects of the immune system?

Answer 4

They coat themselves in host antigens so that they aren’t targeted.
They acquire molecules from the host environment, often blood vessels
Acquisition, not mimicry

Question 5

What is the reason for the Leishmaniasis curve on a graph

Answer 5

1. determined completely by water exposure
2. children are susceptible to infection during early life - immunity builds up, adults imune

Question 6

What is important in killing schistosomes?

Answer 6

IgE, IgG4 is not
children have low IgE, adults have high

Question 7

What is the main pathogenic stage of schistosomiasis

Answer 7

Eggs of the parasite
S. mansoni - BP goes up, can burst, death
S. haematobium - damage to bladder and ureter