Metagonimus

Metagonimus is a genus of trematodes in the family Heterophyidae. The most common species is Metagonimus yokogawai, also known as the Oriental liver fluke. Other species include Metagonimus takahashii, Metagonimus katsuradai, and Metagonimus miyatai.

Life cycle

The life cycle of Metagonimus involves two intermediate hosts. The first host is a snail, where the eggs hatch into miracidia, which develop into sporocysts, rediae, and then cercariae. The cercariae are released from the snail and penetrate the skin of a second intermediate host, typically a fish. In the fish, the cercariae encyst in the muscles or under the scales, becoming metacercariae. Humans become infected when they eat undercooked or raw fish containing the metacercariae. Once ingested, the metacercariae excyst in the duodenum, attach to the intestinal wall, and mature into adult flukes.

Symptoms and treatment

Infection with Metagonimus is called metagonimiasis. Symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malaise. In heavy infections, the flukes can cause chronic diarrhea, malnutrition, and anemia. The drug of choice for treatment is praziquantel.

Epidemiology

Metagonimus is found in Eastern Asia, particularly in Korea, Japan, and the far eastern part of Russia. The infection is also common in Spain. Humans are the primary definitive host, but other mammals, such as pigs and dogs, can also be infected.

See also

• Trematode
• Heterophyidae
• Metagonimiasis
• Praziquantel

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