Pentastomida

Pentastomida is a subclass of parasitic crustaceans, commonly known as tongue worms due to their elongated, tongue-like body shape. They are found in the respiratory tract of their definitive hosts, which are typically reptiles, but can also be mammals, including humans.

Taxonomy

Pentastomida belongs to the phylum Arthropoda, which includes insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Within this phylum, they are classified under the class Maxillopoda and the subclass Pentastomida. There are approximately 130 known species of Pentastomida, divided into four families: Cephalobaenidae, Porocephalidae, Reighardiidae, and Sebekidae.

Morphology

Pentastomids are characterized by their elongated, worm-like bodies, which can range from 1 to 14 cm in length. They have a small, hook-bearing mouth at the anterior end, and two pairs of hooks on the ventral surface, which they use to attach to the host's respiratory tract.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Pentastomida involves two hosts. The definitive host, where the parasites reach maturity and reproduce, is typically a reptile. The intermediate host, where the larvae develop, can be a variety of vertebrates, including mammals and birds. Humans can become accidental hosts when they ingest the eggs or larvae, usually by consuming undercooked meat of the intermediate host.

Pathology

In humans, infection with Pentastomida, known as pentastomiasis, can cause a range of symptoms, from mild respiratory discomfort to severe, life-threatening disease. The severity of the symptoms depends on the number of parasites and their location in the body.

Treatment

Treatment for pentastomiasis typically involves surgical removal of the parasites. In some cases, antiparasitic drugs may also be used.

See Also

• Arthropoda
• Maxillopoda
• Pentastomiasis

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