Review the molecular mechanisms used by adult schistosoma worms to Essay

Review the molecular mechanisms used by adult schistosoma worms to survive in the bloodstream - Essay Example The remaining eggs often go into circulation and get filtered in the periportal tracts within the liver, and this causes periportal fibrosis. According to Ashton and Wilson (2001), the major schistosome species that affect individuals are: Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum. These parasites experience remarkable physiological and morphological changes throughout their life as a means of survival and adaptation to their varying living conditions in different hosts. These parasites are unique because they exhibit unique adaptations both to free-living, as well as parasitic living. The adaptations exhibited by these parasites allow movement between intermediary hosts and the ultimate host. Schistosomes survive within the host by adopting mechanisms that counter the effect of the hosts’ defense mechanisms. These adaptations occur both at the molecular and structural levels. Schistosomes have various adaptations at the molecular level and these i nclude anti-oxidant production and glycoproteins secretion among others. Structural adaptations also help facilitate survival, and these include tails or cilia for swimming, secretory glands for penetration into the host, a glycocalyx for host immuno-modulation or protection of the parasite, a gynaecophoric canal for continued coupling between sexes, and a well-organized reproductive system for proper egg fertilization, as well as muscular suckers for feeding and attachment. This paper reviews these adaptation strategies, and how they are employed in survival. Additionally, possible interventions are proposed to counter the effect of these adaptations so as to make the parasites vulnerable to the host’s immune system and possible elimination. Adaptations for survival among schistosomes entail evasive strategies that enable the parasites to survive within the host without being affected by the hosts’ immunity. The evasion