6533b829fe1ef96bd128aca1

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Echinostomes in the definitive host: a model for the study of host-parasite relationships.

subject

description

Echinostomes are hermaphroditic digeneans that parasitize, as adults, numerous vertebrate hosts of all classes. In this chapter, the main features of the development of adult echinostome in the definitive host are analyzed in detail. The stage of the echinostome in the definitive host undergoes a number of features such as metacercarial excystment, establishment, habitat location, adult development, mate, and release of eggs. These features are documented with an emphasis in their potential use as experimental models. The analysis is focused on members of the genus Echinostoma, although members of other genera of the Echinostomatidae are mentioned when they are relevant to the discussion. Although some of the nomenclature for echinostome species is disputed, the names used are those currently accepted names.