North American Cercarial Dermatitis Agent [Trichobilharzia stagnicolae]
Description
Trichobilharzia stagnicolae is a species of digenetic trematodes in the family Schistosomatidae. This parasitic flatworm is prevalent in North America and is known to cause swimmer's itch in humans. Its primary hosts are snails and waterfowl. The cercariae, or larvae, exit the snail and infect the definitive host, typically a bird or mammal, by penetrating the skin.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Flatworms
Platyhelminthes
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Trematoda
Trematoda
|
| Order |
Digenetic Flukes
Digenea
|
| Family |
Schistosomatidae
Schistosomatidae
|
| Genus |
Trichobilharzia
Trichobilharzia
|