SCHISTOSOMES - UNANSWERED QUESTIONS ON THE BASIC BIOLOGY OF THE HOST-PARASITE RELATIONSHIP

As is the case in many parasite infections, research into schistosomia sis has not yet yielded a vaccine and, although chemotherapy with praz iquantel is very effective, the mechanism of action of this drug is un known. John Kusel and colleagues here suggest that apt understanding o f basic biological phenomena, such as the role of Ca2+ in skin penetra tion and the function of the adult excretory system, might lend to imp ortant breakthroughs. Other crucial questions are also addressed, with the hope of stimulating debate. They invite suggestions and correspon dence from others working in related fields.