Kingdom Animalia Phylum Platyhelminthes Rank Family Subclass Digenea | Scientific name Paramphistomatidae Higher classification Echinostomida Order Echinostomida | |
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Similar Paramphistomum, Paramphistomum cervi, Digenea, Fasciolidae, Flatworm | ||
Paramphistomatidae is a family of flukes which are parasitic on herbivorous mammals, and sometimes humans. All members are obligate parasites requiring a mammalian host and snails for completion of their life cycle. The adult worms are found in the intestinal tract and liver. The body is characterised by leaf-like fleshy structure with a large posterior sucker.
Contents
Genera
The family includes the following genera:
Identification
They are monoecious with complete reproductive system. Their identifying characters include location of testes, which are usually near the middle portion of the body, and ovary posterior to the testes. The infective metacercaria are encysted and attached on plants, from which mammals get the infection through ingestion. Depending on the species, they reside in the intestine, rumen or liver.
Pathology
Many of the species are responsible for a serious disease called paramphistomiasis, especially in cattle and sheep. Its symptoms include fetid diarrhoea, anaemia, lethargy, and often result in death if untreated.