Parasitic Diseases: Trematodes Overview

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Questions and Answers

Fasciola hepatica can be found in the bile duct of both domestic animals and humans.

True (A)

What is the primary agent responsible for hepatic distomiasis?

  • Fasciola hepatica (correct)
  • Fasciola gigantica (correct)
  • Fascioloides magna (correct)
  • Dicrocoelium dendriticum (correct)

What is the size of Fasciola hepatica?

13 mm x 13 mm

Where does the acute phase of fasciolosis primarily cause damage?

<p>Liver parenchyma</p> Signup and view all the answers

The primary intermediate host of flukes is the ______.

<p>snail</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is caused by the migration of immature flukes in chronic fasciolosis?

<p>Cirrhosis of the liver (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of metacercariae in the life cycle of flukes?

<p>Ingestion by host animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

All age groups of animals are equally susceptible to hepatic distomiasis.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The immature flukes can penetrate through the wall of the intestine and migrate through the ______ to reach the bile duct.

<p>liver</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Parasitic Diseases Overview

  • Helminths are categorized into three main groups: Nematodes, Trematodes, and Cestodes.

Trematodes

  • Trematodes, or flukes, can cause significant parasitic infestations in various domestic animals, leading to acute or chronic hepatic insufficiency.

Hepatic Distomiasis (Fluke Disease)

  • Primarily caused by species of flukes such as:
    • Fasciola hepatica: Present in sheep, goat, cattle, and other animals; leaf-shaped, measures 13 mm x 13 mm.
    • Fasciola gigantica: Larger than F. hepatica, with narrow shoulders, measures 25-75 mm x 12 mm.
    • Fascioloides magna: Found in cattle and deer; size ranges from 23-100 mm x 11-26 mm.
    • Dicrocoelium dendriticum: Affects bile ducts in multiple animal species.

Epidemiology

  • Disease occurrence is widespread, especially in areas with abundant irrigation, where intermediate hosts (snails) thrive.
  • Higher prevalence in young animals leads to more severe disease forms compared to adults.
  • Economic losses include mortality and decreased productivity, potentially ranging from 8-20% in milk production.

Transmission

  • Infection occurs through ingestion of metacercariae present on vegetation or water.
  • Congenital transmission may also occur.

Life Cycle

  • Adult flukes reside in bile ducts, laying eggs excreted in feces.
  • Eggs hatch into miracidia, which penetrate snails (intermediate host) and develop into cercariae.
  • Cercariae form metacercariae and attach to aquatic plants; ingestion by animals leads to the release of immature flukes in the intestine.
  • They may migrate to the bile duct through:
    • Direct penetration through the intestinal wall.
    • Entry via the portal vein.

Pathogenesis

  • Acute Fasciolosis: Immature flukes cause severe liver damage and hemorrhages, potentially leading to sudden death.
  • Chronic Fasciolosis: Causes cirrhosis of the liver as hepatic cells are replaced by fibrous tissue; bile ducts may thicken and calcify due to continuous irritation from flukes.

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