Table 1 Advantages and disadvantages of different ways for preparing schistosomula

Mechanical methods (Centrifugation, Syringe needle method, Vortexing)

Relatively easy and Inexpensive

Increased parasite damage

Manipulation of thousands of cercariae

Increased risk of infection to researchers (Potential biohazard to the researcher)

Replaces the use of live animals

Help to obtain large number of schistosomula

Morphological characteristics identical to schistosmula obtained naturally

Only 25–50% of transformed schistosomula reach the ‘gut-closed’ stage by day 12

Non-mechanical methods (Chemical transformation & Excised skin penetration)

Ideal alternative to obtaining high numbers of viable schistosomula

Significantly less cercariae heads separated from the tails by chemical method

Simpler

Less damaging to the parasites

Low schistosomula yield and the possibility of contamination by host material

50–70% of skin transformed schistosomula reach the ‘gut-closed’ stage by day 12

Require use of live animals (rat, mice, hamster, …) and skilled technician

Schistosmula are obtained naturally

Less appropriate technique for high throughput