Trematodes
Trematodes
Trematodes (pronounced: treh-muh-tohdz), also known as flukes, are a class of parasitic flatworms belonging to the phylum Platyhelminthes. The term "trematode" comes from the Greek word "trematodes", meaning "having holes", which refers to the ventral and oral suckers that these parasites possess.
Etymology
The term "trematode" is derived from the Greek word "trematodes", which means "having holes". This is in reference to the ventral and oral suckers that these parasites possess. The term "fluke" comes from the Old English word "flōc", which means "flatfish", due to the flat, oval shape of these parasites.
Life Cycle
Trematodes have complex life cycles that involve multiple hosts. The primary host, where the trematodes reach maturity and reproduce, is usually a vertebrate, such as a human or a livestock animal. The intermediate host, where the trematodes undergo several developmental stages, is usually a snail.
Types of Trematodes
There are several types of trematodes that can infect humans, including:
- Schistosoma: This genus of trematodes, also known as blood flukes, are responsible for the disease schistosomiasis.
- Fasciola hepatica: Also known as the liver fluke, this trematode causes fascioliasis, a disease that affects the liver.
- Clonorchis sinensis: This is the Chinese liver fluke, which can cause clonorchiasis, a type of liver disease.
Related Terms
- Parasite: An organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.
- Platyhelminthes: A phylum of flatworms that includes trematodes.
- Schistosomiasis: A disease caused by infection with blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma.
- Fascioliasis: A disease caused by infection with the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica.
- Clonorchiasis: A disease caused by infection with the Chinese liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trematodes
- Wikipedia's article - Trematodes
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