Cercariae

Cercariae

Cercariae (pronunciation: ser-KAR-ee-ay) are the larval form of certain parasites, particularly those in the class Trematoda, also known as flukes.

Etymology

The term "cercariae" is derived from the Greek word "kérkos", which means "tail". This is in reference to the tail-like appendage that is characteristic of this larval stage.

Life Cycle

Cercariae are produced by the asexual reproduction of the miracidium within the snail host. After being released from the snail, the cercariae swim in water until they find a suitable host to infect. Once inside the new host, the cercariae lose their tails and transform into metacercariae, the next stage in the life cycle of the parasite.

Related Terms

• Trematoda: A class of parasitic flatworms, also known as flukes, that includes species which produce cercariae.
• Miracidium: The first larval stage of trematodes, which infects snails and produces cercariae.
• Metacercariae: The stage following cercariae in the life cycle of trematodes. Metacercariae are typically the infective stage for the final host.

Health Implications

In humans, cercariae can cause a condition known as cercarial dermatitis or "swimmer's itch". This is an allergic reaction to the cercariae penetrating the skin. Certain species of cercariae can also cause serious diseases such as schistosomiasis.

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