An Atlas for Schistosoma mansoni Organs and Life-Cycle Stages Using Cell Type-Specific Markers and Confocal Microscopy
2011

Microscopic Atlas of Schistosoma mansoni Organs

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Collins James J. III, King Ryan S., Cogswell Alexis, Williams David L., Newmark Phillip A.

Primary Institution: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Hypothesis

The study aims to develop new techniques for visualizing Schistosoma mansoni tissues using cell type-specific markers.

Conclusion

The study successfully identified over 20 new markers for various tissues in Schistosoma mansoni, facilitating high-resolution anatomical studies.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study identified over 20 new markers for labeling cercarial tissues.
  • Markers were effective in visualizing tissues in various life-cycle stages.
  • The methodologies can be widely adopted by researchers for detailed studies.

Takeaway

Researchers found new ways to see the tiny parts of a parasite that makes people sick, which can help us understand how to fight it better.

Methodology

The study used confocal microscopy and a variety of stains and antibodies to visualize different tissues in Schistosoma mansoni at various life-cycle stages.

Limitations

The study may not cover all life-cycle stages or all potential markers for Schistosoma mansoni.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pntd.0001009

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