Gastropod-borne parasitic disease

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Gastropod-borne parasitic disease
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Varies depending on the specific parasite; may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, rash, and fatigue
Complications	Chronic infection, organ damage, malnutrition
Onset	After exposure to contaminated water or food
Duration	Can be acute or chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Infection by parasitic flatworms or nematodes transmitted by gastropods
Risks	Contact with contaminated water, poor sanitation, living in endemic areas
Diagnosis	Stool test, blood test, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	Improved sanitation, avoiding contaminated water, controlling gastropod populations
Treatment	Antiparasitic medication, supportive care
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common in tropical and subtropical regions
Deaths	Significant morbidity and mortality in endemic areas

Diseases caused by parasitic infections transmitted by gastropods

Gastropod-borne parasitic diseases are infections caused by parasites that use gastropods (such as snails and slugs) as intermediate hosts. These diseases are significant public health concerns in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

Introduction

Gastropod-borne parasitic diseases are caused by various types of parasites, including trematodes (flukes) and nematodes (roundworms). These parasites have complex life cycles that involve gastropods as intermediate hosts. Humans and other animals become infected through contact with contaminated water, food, or soil.

Life Cycle of Parasites

The life cycle of gastropod-borne parasites typically involves several stages: 1. Eggs: Parasites lay eggs that are excreted in the feces of infected hosts. 2. Larvae: The eggs hatch into larvae, which infect gastropods. 3. Development in Gastropods: Inside the gastropod, the larvae undergo several developmental stages. 4. Infective Stage: The mature larvae leave the gastropod and become infective to humans or other definitive hosts. 5. Transmission to Humans: Humans become infected by ingesting contaminated water or food, or through skin contact with contaminated water.

Major Diseases

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. The disease is prevalent in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South America and Asia. The parasites are transmitted through freshwater snails.

Fascioliasis

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Life cycle of Fascioliasis

Fascioliasis is caused by the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. These parasites are transmitted through freshwater snails and infect the liver of humans and animals.

Clonorchiasis

Clonorchiasis is caused by the liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis. It is endemic in East Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and Vietnam. The disease is transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish.

Brachylaimiasis

Transmission cycle of Brachylaimiasis

Brachylaimiasis is caused by flukes of the genus Brachylaima. These parasites are transmitted through terrestrial snails and can infect humans and other mammals.

Eurytrematosis

Transmission cycle of Eurytrematosis

Eurytrematosis is caused by the pancreatic fluke Eurytrema pancreaticum. It is transmitted through terrestrial snails and affects the pancreas of ruminants and occasionally humans.

Gastrodiscoidiasis

Gastrodiscoides hominis

Gastrodiscoidiasis is caused by the intestinal fluke Gastrodiscoides hominis. It is transmitted through aquatic snails and affects the intestines of humans and other mammals.

Prevention and Control

Preventing gastropod-borne parasitic diseases involves controlling the snail population, improving sanitation, and educating communities about the risks of consuming contaminated water and food. Public health measures include:

• Snail Control: Reducing snail populations through environmental management and chemical molluscicides.
• Sanitation: Improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities to prevent contamination.
• Health Education: Educating communities about safe food and water practices.

See also

• Trematode
• Nematode
• Intermediate host
• Parasitic disease