Fasciola gigantica
Fasciola gigantica
Fasciola gigantica (pronounced: fuh-SY-oh-luh jy-GAN-ti-kuh) is a species of parasitic flatworms belonging to the family Fasciolidae. It is one of the largest flukes of livestock and humans, causing a disease known as fasciolosis.
Etymology
The name Fasciola gigantica is derived from the Latin fasciola, meaning "little band" or "ribbon", and gigantica, meaning "gigantic", referring to the large size of the worm.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Fasciola gigantica involves two hosts: a definitive host, typically a mammal such as cattle or humans, and an intermediate host, a freshwater snail of the genus Radix. The adult flukes reside in the bile ducts of the definitive host, where they produce eggs that are passed in the feces. The eggs hatch in water, releasing miracidia that infect the snail host. In the snail, the miracidia develop into cercariae, which are released into the water and encyst on aquatic vegetation as metacercariae. The definitive host becomes infected by ingesting the metacercariae on the vegetation.
Pathology
Infection with Fasciola gigantica can cause severe disease in the definitive host. The immature flukes migrate through the liver tissue, causing inflammation and fibrosis. This can lead to weight loss, reduced milk production in dairy cattle, and potentially fatal liver failure in severe cases.
Treatment and Control
Treatment of Fasciola gigantica infection typically involves the use of anthelmintic drugs such as triclabendazole. Control measures include regular deworming of livestock, management of snail populations, and avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked aquatic vegetation.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fasciola gigantica
- Wikipedia's article - Fasciola gigantica
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