Linguatula serrata

A parasitic organism affecting mammals, including humans

Linguatula taenioides, a related species

Linguatula serrata is a parasitic organism belonging to the phylum Arthropoda and class Pentastomida. It is commonly known as the "tongue worm" due to its tongue-like appearance. This parasite primarily infects the respiratory tract of carnivorous mammals, including canids and occasionally humans, causing a condition known as linguatulosis.

Morphology

Linguatula serrata exhibits a flattened, elongated body that resembles a tongue, hence its common name. The adult parasite can reach lengths of up to 13 cm. It possesses a segmented body with a series of hooks and spines that aid in attachment to the host's tissues. The anterior end of the organism is equipped with a mouth surrounded by four hooks, which are used to anchor itself within the host.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Linguatula serrata involves two hosts: a definitive host and an intermediate host. The definitive hosts are typically carnivorous mammals such as dogs, wolves, and foxes. The intermediate hosts are usually herbivorous or omnivorous animals, including ruminants and occasionally humans.

Definitive Host

In the definitive host, adult Linguatula serrata reside in the nasal passages and sinuses. They reproduce sexually, and the female lays eggs that are expelled through the host's nasal secretions or feces.

Intermediate Host

Intermediate hosts become infected by ingesting eggs present in contaminated food or water. Once inside the intermediate host, the eggs hatch into larvae, which migrate through the intestinal wall and travel to various organs, particularly the liver and lungs, where they encyst.

Pathogenesis

In definitive hosts, the presence of adult parasites in the nasal passages can cause irritation, nasal discharge, and respiratory distress. In intermediate hosts, the migrating larvae can cause tissue damage and inflammation, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and in severe cases, organ dysfunction.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of linguatulosis in definitive hosts is often based on the identification of eggs in nasal secretions or feces. In intermediate hosts, imaging techniques such as ultrasound or CT scan may be used to detect cysts in the organs.

Treatment

Treatment of linguatulosis involves the use of antiparasitic medications to eliminate the adult parasites in definitive hosts. Surgical intervention may be necessary to remove cysts in intermediate hosts.

Prevention

Preventive measures include controlling the exposure of potential intermediate hosts to contaminated food and water, as well as managing the population of definitive hosts to reduce the spread of the parasite.

Related pages

• Pentastomida
• Parasitic diseases
• Zoonosis