The life cycle of Schistosoma mansoni and schistosomiasis disease: an educational approach

Schistosoma mansoni, a digenetic trematode, is the causative agent of intestinal schistosomiasis, an infectious parasitic disease that affects approximately 54 million people annually and has a high mortality rate. Disease control involves treatment with the anthelmintic praziquantel, environmental sanitation, access to treated water, and population management of Biomphalaria snails, the intermediate hosts of the parasite. Understanding the life cycle of S. mansoni is an educational challenge due to the complexity of its multiple biological and ecological stages, requiring knowledge in parasitology, molecular biology, ecology, and public health. This difficulty affects students in both basic and higher education. In this context, the creation of illustrative diagrams and educational videos of the parasite’s life cycle proves to be an effective approach. Visual representations facilitate the understanding of the life cycle stages and their relationship to the disease, promoting more accessible theoretical and practical learning. Furthermore, these materials strengthen schistosomiasis control actions, especially in endemic regions, and contribute to the training of public health professionals. This study, therefore, aims to present an illustrative diagram and an educational video that address the different stages of S. mansoni’s life cycle. For the illustrations and graphic element assemblies, digital software and platforms such as Inkscape, Microsoft PowerPoint, Canva, and the GNU Image Manipulation Program were used. It is concluded that the use of graphic design software to create high-quality visual materials contributes to improving education and knowledge dissemination.