TREMATODES
Introduction to
Trematodes
Trematodes are parasitic flatworms with unique life cycles involving sexual reproduction in mammalian
and other vertebrate definitive hosts and asexual reproduction in snail intermediate hosts.
Trematodes are classified in the phylum Platyhelminthes.
It is in class Tramatoda
Subclass Digenea
Groups of trematodes
Monogenea -free living
Asipidogastrea -are parasitic in some fish eg turtles
Digenea
Features of flukes
Are leaf shaped
Ranging in length from few mm to 7 to 8 (cm)
The tegument is morphologically and physiologically complex
They possess an ioral sucker around the mouth and the central sucker
They lake body cavity
Their bodies are covered with tegument which is usually armed with scalelike spones
Examples of trematodes
Blood flukes
Fascida
Fasciola hepatica
Clonorchis sinasis
Digenea
Disease caused by
Trematodes
Fascioliasis
Clonorchiasis
Opisthorchiasis
Symptoms of trematoda
*Depend on type of trematode
Chest and abdominal pain
High temperature
Digestion issues
Cough and shortness of breath
Diarrhea
Change in appetite
Mode of transmissionof
trematodes
Eating contaminated watercress and other aquatic
plants
Ways to prevent
trematodes
Food safety practices
Education
Treating method of
trematodes
Medication : Praziquantel treat Clonorchiasis and
opisthorchiasis
Tridabendazole treat Fascioliasis
Effects of trematodes
Positive effects
Negative effects
• Cause massive loss through
affecting.libe function
• Reduce production of meat,
milk and woodland leading to
poor weight gain
• Loss of vigor (physical
strength)
• Increase in suspeceptibility to
many diseases as well as
mortality
Life cycle of trematodes