Stellantchasmus

Stellantchasmus is a genus of trematode in the family Heterophyidae. The genus was first described by Fukui in 1929. The trematodes are a class of parasitic flatworms, of the subclass Digenea, that primarily infect the liver of a wide range of hosts, including humans.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Stellantchasmus involves three hosts. The adult worms live in the small intestine of the definitive host, which are usually birds or mammals. The eggs are passed in the feces of the host and hatch in water to release miracidia. These miracidia infect a suitable snail intermediate host and develop into sporocysts, rediae, and then cercariae. The cercariae are released from the snail and encyst on the skin or flesh of freshwater fish. When the fish are eaten by a bird or mammal, the metacercariae excyst in the intestine and mature into adult worms.

Human Infection

Human infection with Stellantchasmus occurs when undercooked or raw fish containing the metacercariae are consumed. The symptoms of infection can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malaise. In severe cases, the infection can lead to malnutrition and anemia. Diagnosis is made by finding the characteristic eggs in the feces. Treatment is with praziquantel.

Prevention

Prevention of Stellantchasmus infection involves proper cooking of fish and good personal hygiene. Public health measures can also be implemented to control the snail intermediate hosts and to educate the public about the risks of consuming raw or undercooked fish.

File:Stellantchasmus.jpg

Stellantchasmus in a fish host.

See Also

• Heterophyiasis
• Parasitic worm
• Trematoda

References

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