Schistosomiasis Interview With An Expert  

The next step in our service learning project was to conduct an interview with an expert on the subject of Schistosoma.  We chose to interview the parasitology teacher at Rockhurst University, Mary Haskins. The interview happened in the science faculty offices at Rockhurst University.  We sent Dr. Haskins an initial email to get a time set up to interview with us and she was more than willing to meet with us.  We chose to interview her because she teaches parasitology here at Rockhurst and would have the best understanding of the parasitic disease we are learning about, Schistosoma.  

We went in with several questions prepared for Dr. Haskins, these included: 

1. Why are you interested in parasitology?

2. Have you interacted with Schistosoma patients or the parasite itself?

3. In what ways could evolution have impacted the distribution of Schistosoma?

 4. Is a spreading of this parasite very likely or a major worry?

5. Currently, what is the main treatment for this parasite?

6. How important is the search for a cure for Schistosoma?

7. What do you know about grid computing and its’ impact on this search?

Q1: Why are you interested in parasitology?

A1: The diversity of what you see with parasitology and the impact this type of study has on others around.  Parasites are a global issue and are not just limited to one reason, there is a large range of parasites to look at.  There is also never a dull story, they are very interesting and sometimes gross.  

Q2: Have you interacted with Schistosoma patients or the parasite itself?

A2: No, I've never directly worked with it, only researched/learned about it in text books.  It has to have certain conditions for it to be passed on.  It is contracted from ingesting water that is contaminated by fecal matter or urine.  Since most places in America have sanitary water conditions it is much more rare for us to see cases of it.  If conditions are managed correctly the exposure is limited.  

Q3: In what ways could evolution have impacted the distribution of Schistosoma?

A3: There is a geographic distribution of the disease due to the three different types of species that infect the population.  There are three different kinds of Schistosoma and they are identified by the shape of their spine.     This spine is used to burrow out of the capillary system into either the bladder or the intestines, depending on the type of spine.  The type of species is dependent on where the person is located.  

Dr. Haskins then showed us this picture of the distribution of the disease throughout the world. 

Q4: Is spreading the parasite very likely or a major worry?

A4:  In cultures where the water supply isn't correctly monitored yes, however here in America there isn't a place where it is likely to infect people.  

Q5: Currently, what is the main treatment for this parasite?

A5:  An antibiotic most likely is used, but they change the drug used to treat it so often, due to resistance and   more efficient drugs coming onto the market.  

Q6: How important is the search for the cure for Schistosoma?

A6:  Every year there is a convention held just about this illness, so based on the amount of people attending and working for a cause pretty important.  There is not a known cure yet, just treatment methods.  Usually once people notice it is a problem they are too far gone to fully get rid of the worms.  

Q7: What do you know about grid computing and its impact on this search?

A7: I'm not exactly sure what they are doing with the grid computing at this time. I'm sure something to help prevent or treat the disease.  

Q8: How has Schistosoma evolved since its occurrence?

A8: I'm not up to date about the evolution, but I can imagine that the parasite has become resistant to certain types of medications used to treat it.  

Q9: Is it likely to change/increase in geographic distribution?

A9: There has been a lot of progress made to manage/control and minimize exposure to the disease.  Including educating cultures on the importance of maintaining clean water supplies.  

Q10:  Do you think there will be a cure or just preventative measures taken against this disease?

A10:  If the cycle can be broken then there can be a cure.  The first goal is to gain control over the fecal/urine waste in the water supply.  If this can be done the problem will be eliminated because the parasite won't be prevalent without that factor.  

We also learned during the interview that some cultures in Africa actually encourage the continuation of this disease because when the parasites burrow out of the capillaries and into the bladder they cause blood to enter the urine.  However there have to be a lot of parasites for this to be noticeable and usually occurs during the time of puberty.  In a few African cultures bloody urine is the sign of manhood and they don't consider it a problem until it's too far gone to treat.  

The Schistosoma parasite also is one of the only parasites that has a separate male and female gender and these two organisms mate for life once in the blood stream.  This way the can continually lay eggs and keep the cycle in the human body going.  

Our interview with Dr. Haskins was a very insightful conversation and helped to deepen our understanding of the disease we are working to help prevent.  She really helped to define exactly what happens while this illness runs its course and explained to us why things happen the way they do with this illness.