What are parasites known as blood flukes responsible for schistosomiasis?

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Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni are indeed the parasites known as blood flukes responsible for causing schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasitic worms from the genus Schistosoma, which reside in the blood vessels of their hosts.

Schistosoma haematobium specifically targets the urinary plexus, leading to urinary schistosomiasis, while Schistosoma mansoni primarily affects the intestines, leading to intestinal schistosomiasis. Both species can cause significant health issues, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in urine, and are contracted through contact with freshwater contaminated with the larvae of these parasites.

The other options listed include different parasites that are not associated with schistosomiasis. For example, Ascaris lumbricoides is a roundworm causing ascariasis, and Taenia saginata is a beef tapeworm. Enterobius vermicularis is a pinworm, while Giardia lamblia is a protozoan that causes giardiasis. Schistosoma japonicum is another type of schistosome but the pairing with Taenia solium, which causes pork tapeworm infections, does not relate to schistosomiasis.

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