Parasitology Trematodes

General characteristics: 1.The class trematoda falls into two main subclasses, the Monogenea, which have a direct life cycle, and the Digenea, which require an intermediate host, are of medical significance 2. The adult digenetic trematodes, commonly called `flukes', occur primarily in the bile ducts, alimentary tract and vascular system. 3. Most flukes are flattened dorsoventrally, have a blind alimentary tract, suckers for attachment 4.Depending on the predilection site, the eggs pass out of the final host, usually in faeces or urine, and the larval stages develop in a molluscan intermediate host. For a few species, a second intermediate host is involved, but the mollusca is essential for all members of the group. 5. The trematodes are hermaphrodites (MONECIOUS) and both cross- and selffertilization may occur. Except for Schistosomes (DIECIOUS) 6. Food; blood or tissue debris is ingested