Personal experiences during discoveries in Schistosomiasis

The life and work of Leiper and Leishman was celebrated in a Symposium in January 2016 (Glasgow Encounters with Tropical diseases). This symposium has stimulated us to record our personal experiences in our research in schistosomiasis and other parasites which for all scientists herein has occupied a lifetime. Our aim is to show the way research ϐlourishes or ϐlounders and the different emotions which discoveries can generate. The role of serendipity is well represented. The scientiϐic themes are described in some detail and include the host antigen hypothesis, the surface membrane, the hygiene hypothesis, the immunology of human infections, heterologous and concomitant immunity, snail control and immunity, mechanisms of drug action, the excretory system, the oesophagus and feeding of the adult worm, immuno-diagnosis and vaccine production. We conclude that the awe and wonder about the living parasite and its interaction with the host is a major element in the experiences of the scientists involved. Students and close colleagues also play essential roles.