Gastropod-borne parasitic disease

Schistosomiasis_Lifecycle

Gastropod-borne parasitic disease

A gastropod-borne parasitic disease is a type of parasitic disease transmitted to humans through gastropods, a class of mollusks that includes snails and slugs. These diseases are caused by various parasites that use gastropods as intermediate hosts in their life cycle. The transmission of these diseases typically occurs when humans come into contact with contaminated water, soil, or food that has been in contact with infected gastropods.

Types of Gastropod-Borne Parasitic Diseases

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a common gastropod-borne parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma parasites. These parasites infect humans through skin contact with contaminated water sources where infected gastropods release larvae. Schistosomiasis can lead to various health complications, including liver damage and urinary tract problems.

Fascioliasis

Fascioliasis is another gastropod-borne parasitic disease caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica parasites. Humans can get infected by consuming water or plants contaminated with the larvae of these parasites shed by gastropods. Fascioliasis primarily affects the liver and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and jaundice.

Prevention and Control

Preventing gastropod-borne parasitic diseases involves avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water sources, properly cooking food to kill any parasites, and practicing good hygiene. Control measures may include the use of molluscicides to eliminate gastropods in areas where these diseases are prevalent.

See Also

• Parasitic disease
• Gastropod
• Schistosoma
• Fasciola hepatica
• Fasciola gigantica