What are the characteristics of Fasciola?

Morphology: The Adult Worm – Averaging 30mm in length and 13 mm in width, Fasciola hepatica is one of the largest flukes in the world. The adult worm has a very characteristic leaf shape with the anterior end being broader than the posterior end and an anterior cone-shaped projection.

What are the intermediate and definitive host of Fasciola hepatica?

Fasciola hepatica is a parasite of herbivorous mammals and humans. Distribution is worldwide and is dependent upon lymnaeid snails as an intermediate host.

What is the Cercariae of the liver fluke?

In liver fluke cercariae, cystogenous glands secrete substances to form a cyst wall. Other glands, such as penetration glands and mucoid glands, may play a role in host penetration and may be further augmented by cuticular stylets capable of puncturing chitin-covered arthropods.

What is pathogenicity of Fasciola?

The pathogenicity of Fasciola hepatica was studied in a group of six sheep experi- mentally infected seven weeks after mating. Eosinophilia and raised levels of gamma globulin were early changes in the blood, followed later by the onset of a progressive anaemia accompanied by loss of liveweight.

How is Fasciola hepatica treated?

Triclabendazole. Triclabendazole, a benzimidazole compound active against immature and adult Fasciola parasites, is the drug of choice for treatment of fascioliasis. In February 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved triclabendazole for treatment of fascioliasis in patients at least 6 years of age .

What is the treatment for Fasciola hepatica?

Do liver flukes have a complete digestive system?

The body of liver flukes is leaf-like and flattened. The body is covered with a tegument. They are hermaphrodites having complete sets of both male and female reproductive systems. They have simple digestive systems and primarily feed on blood.

What is the life cycle of liver fluke?

Following ingestion, the young flukes migrate to the liver, through which they tunnel, causing considerable tissue damage. The infection is patent about 10-12 weeks after the metacercariae are ingested. The whole cycle takes 18-20 weeks.

Which disease is caused by Fasciola hepatica?

Parasites – Fascioliasis (Fasciola Infection) Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection typically caused by Fasciola hepatica, which is also known as “the common liver fluke” or “the sheep liver fluke.” A related parasite, Fasciola gigantica, also can infect people.

What is the life cycle of Fasciola hepatica?

Life cycle of Fasciola hepatica. Immature Fasciola eggs are discharged in the biliary ducts and in the stool (1). Eggs become embryonated in water (2), eggs release miracidia (3), which invade a suitable snail intermediate host (4), including the genera Galba, Fossaria and Pseudosuccinea.

What are the characteristics of Fasciola? Morphology: The Adult Worm – Averaging 30mm in length and 13 mm in width, Fasciola hepatica is one of the largest flukes in the world. The adult worm has a very characteristic leaf shape with the anterior end being broader than the posterior end and an anterior cone-shaped projection.…