Fasciolopsis
Fasciolopsis
Fasciolopsis (pronunciation: fas-see-oh-lop-sis) is a genus of parasitic flatworms in the family Fasciolidae. The most well-known species in this genus is Fasciolopsis buski, a large intestinal fluke that infects humans and pigs.
Etymology
The name Fasciolopsis is derived from the Latin fasciola, meaning "little band", and the Greek opsis, meaning "appearance". This refers to the band-like appearance of the worms in this genus.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Fasciolopsis involves two hosts: a definitive host (humans or pigs) and an intermediate host (snails). The adult worms live in the small intestine of the definitive host, where they produce eggs that are passed in the feces. These eggs hatch in water, releasing miracidia that infect snails. Inside the snail, the miracidia develop into cercariae, which are released into the water and encyst on aquatic plants. When these plants are eaten by the definitive host, the cercariae excyst in the intestine and mature into adult worms.
Symptoms and Treatment
Infection with Fasciolopsis can cause a disease known as fasciolopsiasis. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition. The disease is treated with the drug praziquantel.
Related Terms
- Fasciolidae: The family to which Fasciolopsis belongs.
- Fasciolopsiasis: The disease caused by infection with Fasciolopsis.
- Praziquantel: The drug used to treat fasciolopsis.
- Miracidia: The larval stage of Fasciolopsis that infects snails.
- Cercariae: The larval stage of Fasciolopsis that encysts on aquatic plants.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fasciolopsis
- Wikipedia's article - Fasciolopsis
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