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Oriental blood fluke

flatworm
Also known as: Schistosoma japonicum

Quick Summary

The Oriental blood fluke, Schistosoma japonicum, is a parasitic flatworm belonging to the class Trematoda. It is one of three species that cause schistosomiasis, a chronic disease affecting millions worldwide, particularly in Africa, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean.12

These flukes live in the veins of their hosts. The Oriental blood fluke primarily infects the veins of the small intestine. Humans and various animals, including domestic animals and rodents, can serve as hosts. The parasite's life cycle involves freshwater snails as intermediate hosts. Larvae develop in the snail, then infect humans through the skin. Eggs are passed in feces, and if they reach fresh water, they hatch, continuing the cycle.12

Schistosomiasis can lead to inflammation and damage to organs like the liver, intestines, and bladder. Severe infestations can be fatal. Thoroughly cooking freshwater fish is crucial for preventing clonorchiasis, a related infection caused by the Chinese liver fluke (Clonorchis sinensis).123

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. fluke
  2. schistosomiasis
  3. clonorchiasis

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