Invasion by schistosome cercariae: neglected aspects in Schistosoma japonicum.
Skin invasion by schistosome cercariae was recently discussed in Trends in Parasitology. However, only Schistosoma mansoni was considered, possibly because this species predominates in laboratory studies (at least outside China). One may be tempted to extrapolate from the "model" S. mansoni to other schistosomes, but Schistosoma japonicum must not be neglected. This schistosome is distinguishable from others (particularly S. mansoni) by virtue of its remarkable speed and success of migration, as well as by specific biochemical and immunological features. This leads to the hypothesis that S. japonicum is atypical with respect to the enzymes that facilitate skin penetration.
Department of Tropical Hygiene and Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. Andreas.Ruppel@urz.uni-heidelberg.de
Andreas
A
Ruppel
Katerina
K
Chlichlia
Mahmoud
M
Bahgat
D000818:Animals; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D012549:Schistosoma japonicum / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*; D012554:Schistosomiasis japonica / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology*; D012876:Skin Diseases, Parasitic / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology*
D010450:Endopeptidases