Plexus Trematode [Ascocotyle pachycystis]
Description
The Ascocotyle pachycystis, known as the Plexus Trematode, is a parasitic fluke that uses fish as their intermediate host and birds as their definitive host, specifically shore birds. This species is typically found in coastal areas. It is distinguished by its complex life cycle and its ability to form cysts in the flesh of fish, which can be transmitted to humans who eat raw or undercooked seafood.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Flatworms
Platyhelminthes
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Trematoda
Trematoda
|
| Order |
Digenetic Flukes
Digenea
|
| Family |
Heterophyidae
Heterophyidae
|
| Genus |
Ascocotyle
Ascocotyle
|