Paragonimus

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Paragonimus Paragonimus

Paragonimus (pronunciation: /pærəˈɡɒnɪməs/) is a genus of lung flukes (trematodes) in the family Paragonimidae.

Etymology

The term "Paragonimus" is derived from the Greek words "para" meaning beside, and "gonimus" meaning reproductive, referring to the position of the reproductive organs in these parasites.

Description

Paragonimus species are flat, oval-shaped parasites, measuring 7.5–12 mm by 4–6 mm. They are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. The adult worms typically reside in the lungs of mammals, where they lay their eggs. The eggs are then coughed up and swallowed by the host, eventually being excreted in the feces.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Paragonimus involves multiple hosts. The eggs released in the feces hatch in water, releasing a free-swimming larva called a miracidium. This larva infects a freshwater snail, where it develops into a sporocyst and then into rediae, and finally into cercariae. The cercariae are released from the snail and infect a second intermediate host, typically a crustacean such as a crab or crayfish. In the crustacean, the cercariae develop into metacercariae. When the crustacean is eaten by a mammal, the metacercariae excyst in the intestine and migrate to the lungs, where they develop into adult flukes.

Related Terms

  • Trematode: A class of parasitic flatworms, also known as flukes.
  • Paragonimiasis: A disease caused by infection with Paragonimus.
  • Metacercariae: The encysted stage of a fluke in its intermediate host, prior to transfer to the definitive host.
  • Cercariae: The free-swimming larval stage of many trematodes, which develops within the snail host.

See Also

External links

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