Long Necked Trematode [Ascocotyle longa]
Description
The Ascocotyle longa, commonly known as the Long Necked Trematode, is a fluke which uses birds as their definitive host and snails as their intermediate host. It is found in brackish and saltwater environments. The adult fluke is flat and leaf-like in appearance, with a long neck that distinguishes it. It can cause Ascocotyle infection in humans, especially those who consume raw or undercooked fish.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Flatworms
Platyhelminthes
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Trematoda
Trematoda
|
| Order |
Digenetic Flukes
Digenea
|
| Family |
Heterophyidae
Heterophyidae
|
| Genus |
Ascocotyle
Ascocotyle
|