ABSTRACT

Schistosomes, members of the family Schistosomatidae (Platyhelminthes, Neodermata, Trematoda), represent wellknown pathogens of birds and mammals, including humans. These mostly blood-inhabiting parasites belong to 13 genera. As far as human health is concerned, two genera are the most studied model organisms: Schistosoma sp. as a true human parasite causing schistosomiasis, a disease af›icting about 200 million people in tropical and subtropical areas, and Trichobilharzia sp. which is a bird parasite that can penetrate the skin of humans (accidental hosts) and cause cercarial dermatitis (swimmer’s itch).