Gastrodiscoides

Gastrodiscoides is a genus of trematodes in the family Gastrodiscidae. The most well-known species is Gastrodiscoides hominis, which is a parasite that infects humans and pigs.

Overview

Gastrodiscoides is a genus of parasitic flatworms that belong to the family Gastrodiscidae. The genus was first described by Leiper in 1913. The most well-known species within this genus is Gastrodiscoides hominis, which is a significant parasite in humans and pigs, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Gastrodiscoides hominis

Gastrodiscoides hominis is the largest intestinal fluke that infects humans. It is endemic in certain regions of Asia, including India, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The parasite is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water or food. The adult flukes reside in the cecum and ascending colon, where they attach to the mucosa and cause inflammation and ulceration.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Gastrodiscoides hominis involves two hosts: a primary host (humans or pigs) and an intermediate host (the aquatic snail Segmentina). The eggs are passed in the feces of the primary host and hatch in water, releasing miracidia. These penetrate the snail and develop into sporocysts, rediae, and cercariae. The cercariae are released from the snail and encyst on aquatic plants, where they are ingested by the primary host and develop into adult flukes.

Symptoms and Treatment

Infection with Gastrodiscoides hominis can cause gastrodiscoidiasis, a disease characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malnutrition. The disease is diagnosed by finding the characteristic eggs in a stool sample. Treatment typically involves the use of antiparasitic drugs, such as praziquantel.

See Also

• Trematoda
• Parasitic diseases
• Gastrodiscidae

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