A class of parasitic flatworms; body flattened and covered with a horny layer (cuticle); one or more attachment organs present; gut well developed, often with large intestinal cavity for storing and digesting food, and without an anus; contains c.8000 species, including the monogenetic and digenetic flukes. (Phylum: Platyhelminthes.)
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Botulus microporus, a giant digenean parasite from the intestine of a lancetfish |
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Aspidogastrea |
The Trematoda (commonly referred to as a fluke) is a class within the phylum Platyhelminthes, which contains two groups of parasitic worms.
There are no known cases of human infection with Aspidogastreans, therefore the use of the term "fluke" in relation to human infection refers solely to digenean infections.
Life Cycles
Trematodes have a complex life cycle, often involving several hosts. When this host is eaten by the definitive host, the metacercariae excyst and develop and the life cycle repeats.
Chemical castration of hosts
Some parasitic trematodes chemically castrate their host.
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