Platyhelminthes disease

Parasitic Mode of Life and Diseases Caused by Flatworms (Platyhelminthes)

The parasitic mode of life exhibited by flatworms, members of the phylum Platyhelminthes, encompasses a diverse range of organisms that have adapted to live off their hosts.

These flatworm parasites have evolved unique features to exploit their host organisms, often leading to various diseases.

The parasitic flatworms have fully adapted themselves into a parasitic mode of existence through the development of these attributes:

  • The skin(epidermis) is absent and there is an impenetrable and resistant cuticle for protection.
  • Flatworms have developed organs, like suckers and hooks, for attachment to the host.
  • There is a deterioration of the muscle and the nervous system.
  • The gastrointestinal tract is simplified as a result of greater reliance upon the host.
  • The reproductive systems are somewhat complicated and the ova are produced in large quantities to guarantee the continuity of their species.
  • The complexity of the life cycle and the presence of more than one host during the life cycle is also a vital adaptation for the parasitic mode of life in flatworms.
Infestation

In Taenia (cattle, pig), the development of the zygote starts while it is still within the uterus. The very last segments or proglottids and their uteri contain an embryo that is completely developed. The fully mature proglottids separates from the human body and eliminated from the body along with faeces (undigested waste).

The embryo within the egg is round in shape also it has six chitinous hooks. It shows limited movement. As a way to grow further, it has to reach another host which may be a cow. The parasite remains embedded in the muscles of the cow. In case badly cooked meat is consumed by an individual, the parasite that has not been killed begins to grow farther in the digestive gut of person and cause diseases.

Disinfestation

When the parasite has entered the gut of humans it is difficult to eliminate it off completely. In this regard, care should be taken to cook meat properly before eating it. Therefore, there is not any chance of this parasite entering the gastrointestinal tract but in case it is entered afterward certain medicines are required to take it off.

Its entire elimination is important because if only the head remains inside the intestine it can grow into a new tape-worm once again. Besides treatment with medication, physicians additionally give an enema to the individual, to fully get rid of the parasite.

Few diseases caused by Flatworms

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis, also called bilharzia, is a disorder caused by parasitic flatworms called schistosomes. The urinary tract or even the intestines may get infected. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloody faeces, and blood in the urine. People who have already been infected for a long time can experience liver damage, kidney failure, infertility, or kidney cancer. In kids, it might lead to poor growth and learning issues.

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The illness is spread by means of water contaminated with the parasitic flatworms. These parasites have been released from infected freshwater snails. The disorder is particularly common in children of developing countries because they are more inclined to play in contaminated water.

Other affected groups include fishermen, farmers, and people who use unclean water during daily routine living. It is included in the group of helminth diseases. Identification is by finding eggs of this parasite in an individual’s urine or faeces. Additionally, it can also be confirmed by the presence of antibodies in the blood of the patient.

Platyhelminthes disease

Most countries are working for protection from the illness. Methods to protect against the illness include gaining access to warm and clean water and also by avoiding contact with snails.

Taeniasis

Taeniasis is the infection of intestines in humans by mature tapeworms owned by the genus Taenia. There are no or only mild signs. Symptoms can sometimes include weight loss or intestinal or abdominal pain. Types of Taenia which cause illnesses in humans areTaenia saginata (beef tapeworm) and Taeniaasiatica (Asian tapeworm). Taenia saginatacause infection by eating contaminated and undercooked beef.

Taenia saginata disease is asymptomatic, however, significant disorders cause weight loss, nausea, stomach pain, headaches, constipation, and chronic indigestion, and loss of appetite. It can bring about an antigen reaction which in turn causes an allergic attack. It can sometimes cause ileus, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and cholangitis.

Platyhelminthes disease

Prevention is done by properly cooking beef. Cooking beef at 56 °C for five full minutes can kill this parasite in beef. Refrigeration, freezing (−10 °C for 9 times ), or lengthy spans of salting can be deadly to flatworms.

Fasciolosis

Fasciolosis

Fasciolosis is also a parasitic worm illness resulting from the frequent liver fluke Fasciola hepatica and in addition also fasciola gigantica. The disorder is actually plant-borne. It affects humans; however, its principal hosts are ruminants such as cows, sheep, and cattle.

The disorder develops through four different phases; a first incubation period between a couple of days for around three months with no or very little symptoms; a severe invasive or acute phase which may manifest with: fever, malaise, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, urticaria, anaemia, jaundice, and respiratory symptoms.

Humans are infected by ingestion of water grown plants, chiefly wild-grown water-cress in Europe or morning glory flower in Asia. Illness can also occur by drinking polluted water being contaminated by young Fasciolafloating or if working with utensils washed with water that is contaminated.

In certain areas, special control programs have been set up or have already been proposed. Individuals may protect themselves from not eating or consuming raw watercress as well as different water plants, notably from endemic grazing places.

Vegetables grown in areas, which happen to be irrigated with contaminated water, should be thoroughly cleaned and cooked, and meat should be cooked properly as if from possibly infected animals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What adaptations do parasitic flatworms exhibit for a parasitic mode of life?

Parasitic flatworms have evolved several adaptations, including the absence of skin (epidermis), the presence of a protective cuticle, specialized attachment organs like suckers and hooks, a simplified digestive system, deterioration of muscle and nervous systems, complex reproductive systems, and a life cycle involving more than one host.

Q2: How do flatworms infest their hosts?

In the case of tapeworms like Taenia in cattle and pigs, the zygote’s development begins within the uterus. The fully mature proglottids, containing a developed embryo, separate from the body and are eliminated through feces. If the poorly cooked meat containing the parasite is consumed by humans, the parasite continues its growth in the digestive tract, causing diseases.

Q3: Is it possible to completely eliminate flatworm parasites once they enter the human gut?

Eliminating flatworm parasites from the human gut can be challenging. Properly cooking meat is crucial to prevent their entry. If entered, medications are required for treatment. Full elimination is essential, as any remaining parts can lead to the regrowth of the parasite.

Q4: What diseases are caused by parasitic flatworms? Several diseases are caused by parasitic flatworms. Examples include:

  • Schistosomiasis: Caused by schistosomes, leading to infections in the urinary tract or intestines.
  • Taeniasis: Infection of the intestines by tapeworms, causing mild symptoms or weight loss.
  • Fasciolosis: Resulting from liver flukes, affecting humans and primarily infecting ruminants. Symptoms include abdominal pain, jaundice, and respiratory symptoms.

Q5: How is schistosomiasis transmitted, and what are its symptoms?

Schistosomiasis is transmitted through water contaminated with parasitic flatworms. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody feces, and blood in the urine. Prolonged infections can lead to severe health issues such as liver damage, kidney failure, infertility, or kidney cancer.

Q6: What preventive measures can be taken against flatworm diseases?

Preventive measures include proper cooking of meat, avoiding contact with contaminated water, refraining from consuming raw watercress or other water plants, and thorough cleaning and cooking of vegetables grown in potentially contaminated areas.

Q7: How can taeniasis be prevented, and what are its symptoms?

Taeniasis can be prevented by thoroughly cooking beef. Symptoms may include weight loss, abdominal pain, headaches, constipation, and chronic indigestion. Proper cooking of beef at a sufficient temperature can kill the parasite.

Q8: What is fasciolosis, and how is it transmitted?

Fasciolosis is a parasitic worm illness caused by liver flukes, transmitted through ingestion of water-grown plants, especially watercress. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal issues, anemia, jaundice, and respiratory symptoms.

Summary  

The flatworms such as liver flukes which prey on the living hosts for their food and as a result harm them are parasitic flatworms.

These have adapted themselves into parasitic mode by developing attributes like they do not have proper epidermis but a cuticle for protection.

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They have hooks and suckers for attachment to host and sucking food material from host. They have more than one host in their complex life cycle. The diseases are spread by contaminated water or improperly cooked meat in most cases.

Schistosomiasis, also called bilharzia is a disease caused by flatworms. In severe cases, it can cause liver damage, kidney failure, or kidney cancer. This is caused by the usage of water contaminated with flatworms.

Taeniasis caused by tapeworms infects the intestines of humans. This is due to the consumption of undercooked meat or contaminated meat.

Fasciolosis caused by liver fluke, infects humans as well as cows, ruminants, etc. So, there is a proper need for awareness for protection from these parasitic creatures. People should cook meat properly and use boiled water for drinking and cooking purposes.