Trematoda

Trematoda is a class of flatworms known as trematodes, and commonly as flukes. They are obligate internal parasites with a complex life cycle requiring at least two hosts. The intermediate host, in which asexual reproduction occurs, is a mollusk, usually a snail. The definitive host, where the flukes sexually reproduce, is a vertebrate. Infection by trematodes can cause disease in all five vertebrate groups: mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.

The miracidium is the second stage in the life cycle of trematodes. When trematode eggs are laid and come into contact with fresh water, they hatch and release miracidium. In this phase, miracidia are ciliated and free-swimming. This stage is completed upon coming in contact with, and entering into, a suitable intermediate host for the purposes of asexual reproduction. Many different species of Trematoda exist, expressing some variation in the physiology and appearance of the miracidia. The various trematode species implement similar strategies to increase their chances of locating and coloniz

Trematodiasis is a group of parasitic infections caused by different species of flukes, in humans mainly by digenean trematodes. Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the species, number and location of trematodes in the infected organism. Symptoms depend on the type of trematode present, and include chest and abdominal pain, high temperature, digestion issues, cough and shortness of breath, diarrhoea and change in appetite.

Aspidogaster is a genus of flatworms belonging to the family Aspidogastridae.

Philophthalmus is a genus of trematodes belonging to the family Philophthalmidae.

Allocreadium is a genus of trematodes belonging to the family Allocreadiidae. The genus was first described by Arthur Looss in 1900. The genus has almost cosmopolitan distribution.