Trematoda

Trematoda

Trematoda (pronounced: treh-mah-toh-dah) is a class within the phylum Platyhelminthes. They are commonly known as flukes. They are characterized by flat, leaf-like bodies.

Etymology

The term "Trematoda" comes from the Greek word "trematos", meaning "hole", and "eidos", meaning "form". This refers to the ventral and oral suckers that these organisms possess.

Characteristics

Trematodes are parasitic organisms, meaning they live in or on another organism (the host) and benefit at the host's expense. They have complex life cycles that involve multiple hosts. The primary host, where the trematodes reach maturity and reproduce, is usually a vertebrate. The intermediate host, where the larvae develop, is usually a snail.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of a trematode begins when eggs are released into the environment. They hatch into larvae, which infect the first intermediate host. The larvae undergo several developmental stages within this host, eventually becoming cercariae. These cercariae are released and infect the definitive host, where they mature into adult flukes.

Classification

Trematoda is divided into two subclasses: Digenea and Aspidogastrea. Digenea is the larger and more diverse group, with about 80% of all trematode species. Aspidogastrea is a smaller group, with about 200 known species.

Health Impact

Some species of trematodes are responsible for significant diseases in humans, such as schistosomiasis and clonorchiasis. These diseases are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions and are a major public health concern.

Related Terms

• Parasitology: The study of parasites and their hosts.
• Helminthology: The study of parasitic worms (helminths), which includes trematodes.
• Schistosomiasis: A disease caused by a species of trematodes.
• Clonorchiasis: A disease caused by the Chinese liver fluke, a species of trematodes.

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Trematoda
• Wikipedia's article - Trematoda

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