Schistosoma mansoni: Assessment of effects of oleic acid, cercarial age and water temperature on parasite-host attraction

- The biochemical and age influences on Schistosoma mansoni attraction and attachment were studied.
- The presence of oleic acid in beeswax significantly increased S. mansoni attachment.
- A decrease in cercarial attachment was observed at 5-10 h post-emergence.
- Freshly shed cercariae exposed to 0.3 g/mL of oleic acid exhibit the highest attachment rate.