Fasciolopsis

Fasciolopsis is a genus of trematodes in the family Fasciolidae. The most well-known species is Fasciolopsis buski, a parasite that infects humans and pigs, causing a disease known as Fasciolopsiasis.

Overview

Fasciolopsis is a genus of trematodes in the family Fasciolidae. The most well-known species is Fasciolopsis buski, a parasite that infects humans and pigs, causing a disease known as Fasciolopsiasis. This disease is prevalent in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, particularly in areas where pigs are raised in close proximity to humans.

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 sporocysts, then rediae, and finally cercariae. The cercariae leave the snail and encyst on aquatic plants, where they can be ingested by the definitive host, completing the life cycle.

Symptoms and Treatment

Infection with Fasciolopsis can cause a range of symptoms, from mild diarrhea and abdominal pain to severe malnutrition and anemia. The disease is diagnosed by finding eggs in the stool. Treatment typically involves the drug praziquantel.

Prevention

Prevention of fasciolopsiasis involves proper sanitation and avoiding eating raw or undercooked aquatic plants. In areas where the disease is common, public health measures may include snail control and treatment of infected individuals.

See Also

• Fasciolidae
• Fasciolopsiasis
• Trematodes
• Praziquantel

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