Lancet fluke

Lancet Fluke (Dicrocoelium dendriticum) is a parasite that primarily infects livestock, but can also infect humans. It is a member of the Trematoda class, which includes other parasitic flatworms. The Lancet Fluke is known for its complex life cycle, which involves three different hosts.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of the Lancet Fluke begins when adult flukes in the bile ducts of a mammalian host, such as a cow or sheep, lay eggs which are then excreted in the host's feces. These eggs are ingested by a land snail, which serves as the first intermediate host. Inside the snail, the eggs hatch into larvae, which are then excreted by the snail in a slime ball. This slime ball, containing the larvae, is consumed by an ant, the second intermediate host. The larvae then manipulate the behavior of the ant, causing it to climb to the top of a blade of grass during the evening and overnight hours, where it is more likely to be eaten by a grazing mammal. If the ant is consumed by a mammal, the larvae develop into adult flukes in the bile ducts, completing the life cycle.

Infection and Symptoms

Infection with the Lancet Fluke, known as dicrocoeliasis, is relatively rare in humans, but can occur if humans inadvertently consume ants infected with the larvae. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, the fluke can cause damage to the liver.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for dicrocoeliasis typically involves the use of anthelmintic drugs, which are designed to kill parasitic worms. Prevention strategies include avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, and controlling snail and ant populations in areas where livestock are grazed.

See Also

• Parasitology
• Trematoda
• Anthelmintic

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