What is the definitive host for the Schistosoma species?

The definitive host for Schistosoma species is humans. This is because Schistosoma parasites are trematodes that primarily inhabit the blood vessels of their definitive hosts, where they reach maturity, reproduce, and shed eggs. In humans, these parasites can cause schistosomiasis, which can lead to various health complications, including liver fibrosis and bladder cancer.

In the life cycle of Schistosoma, humans are the primary host in which the adult worms live and reproduce. The eggs laid by the adult worms can then be excreted in feces or urine, depending on the species, and subsequently hatch in water, continuing the cycle. This placement in the life cycle underscores the significance of humans as the definitive host, where the parasites develop to maturity and propagate.