![]() The life cycle of the flatworm involves two very specific hosts. In the United States, the problem appears to be concentrated in the most northern tier of states. In North America, at least 30 states and parts of Canada have documented the skin condition. The life cycle and host requirements of those species responsible for swimmer’s itch differ widely, and the natural history of most is poorly understood. However, not all larval species cause swimmer’s itch. Many species of parasitic flatworms are naturally occurring in most lakes. The itching sensation is caused by an immune response to the dead larvae under the skin and responses vary by person. Since humans are not the proper host, the larvae soon die upon burrowing into the skin. The larvae, known as cercariae, are only 1/32 of an inch long and generally invisible to the naked eye. ![]() The skin condition occurs when larvae mistakenly burrow into human skin. Upon hatching, free swimming Schistosomatidae larvae seek out an intermediary host, usually snails, to continue the life cycle. Schistosome flatworms are parasites with a complex life cycle usually involving certain species of snails and waterfowl. Swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis) is a skin irritation caused by a larval form of certain flatworms from the family Schistosomatidae. What you should know about Swimmer’s Itch What is it?
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