Stellantchasmus

Infobox Disease
ICD-10	G71.2
ICD-9	359.0
DiseasesDB	31991
MedlinePlus
eMedicine	neuro 76 neuro/230
MeSH ID

Stellantchasmus is a genus of trematode parasites that infects the intestines of fish-eating birds and mammals. The most notable species within this genus is Stellantchasmus falcatus, which is known to cause parasitic infections in humans.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Stellantchasmus involves multiple hosts. The adult flukes reside in the intestines of definitive hosts, which include birds and mammals. Eggs are released into the environment through the host's feces. These eggs hatch into miracidia, which then infect snails, the first intermediate host. Inside the snail, the miracidia develop into sporocysts, then rediae, and finally into cercariae. The cercariae leave the snail and infect fish, the second intermediate host, where they encyst as metacercariae. When a definitive host consumes infected fish, the metacercariae develop into adult flukes in the host's intestines.

Symptoms in Humans

In humans, infection with Stellantchasmus falcatus can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. In severe cases, it may cause intestinal obstruction or perforation.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Stellantchasmus infection is typically made by identifying the characteristic eggs in stool samples using microscopy.

Treatment

The treatment for Stellantchasmus infection involves the use of anthelmintic drugs such as praziquantel.

Prevention

Preventive measures include avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked fish, especially in areas where the parasite is endemic. Proper cooking of fish can kill the metacercariae and prevent infection.

See Also

• Trematode
• Parasitic infection
• Praziquantel

External Links

• CDC - Parasites