Opisthotrematidae

Opisthotrematidae is a family of trematodes, a type of parasitic flatworms, belonging to the class Trematoda. This family is part of the order Plagiorchiida, which includes a wide range of parasitic flatworms that infect various vertebrate hosts.

Taxonomy

The family Opisthotrematidae was first described by the German zoologist Friedrich Lühe in 1909. It is divided into several genera, including Opisthotrema, Cotylophoron, and Paramphistomum.

Morphology

Opisthotrematidae are characterized by their unique morphology. They have a leaf-like body with a ventral sucker near the posterior end, hence the name "Opistho" which means "behind" and "trematidae" referring to the presence of a sucker. The body is covered with a tegument, which helps in protection and nutrient absorption.

Life Cycle

Like other trematodes, Opisthotrematidae have a complex life cycle involving multiple hosts. The primary host is usually a mammal, where the adult worm resides in the gastrointestinal tract. The eggs are passed out with the feces and hatch in water, releasing miracidia which infect a suitable snail intermediate host. In the snail, the miracidia develop into sporocysts, then rediae, and finally cercariae. The cercariae leave the snail and encyst on vegetation as metacercariae, which are ingested by the mammalian host, completing the cycle.

Pathology

Opisthotrematidae can cause significant disease in their hosts. Infections, known as opisthotremiasis, can lead to weight loss, diarrhea, and even death in severe cases. The disease is primarily a concern in livestock, particularly in regions where the parasites are endemic.

Prevention and Control

Prevention of opisthotremiasis involves controlling the snail population and preventing livestock from eating contaminated vegetation. Treatment typically involves the use of anthelmintic drugs.

File:Opisthotrematidae.jpg

A microscopic image of Opisthotrematidae

See Also

• Trematoda
• Parasitology
• Veterinary parasitology