Fasciola lanceolata is a parasitic flatworm found in the liver of sheep and other ruminants. The word "Fasciola" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /fəˈskiːələ/, with the first syllable pronounced as "fuh" and the second syllable having a long "e" sound. "Lanceolata" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /lænsiːəˈleɪtə/, with the first syllable pronounced as "lan" and the second syllable having a long "i" sound. Together, the word "Fasciola lanceolata" is spelled as /fəˈskiːələ lænsiːəˈleɪtə/.
Fasciola lanceolata is a species of parasitic flatworm, commonly known as the sharp-edged liver fluke. It belongs to the family Fasciolidae and is primarily found in the liver and bile ducts of mammals, particularly in livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
The adult Fasciola lanceolata has a lance-shaped body, measuring up to 30 mm in length and 5 mm in width. It is characterized by its sharp, knife-like anterior end, from which it derives its common name. The flatworm has a yellowish-brown coloration and a tough integument, which helps it to survive in harsh environments.
Fasciola lanceolata has a complex life cycle that involves multiple hosts. The eggs produced by adult flukes in the host's liver are passed out through the feces into water. These eggs hatch into free-swimming larvae called miracidia, which then penetrate freshwater snails. Within the snails, the larvae undergo several developmental stages, eventually turning into free-swimming cercariae.
The cercariae, once released from the snails, actively search for their final host - usually grazing mammals. They penetrate the host's skin and migrate through various tissues, eventually reaching the liver and bile ducts where they mature into adult flukes. Upon reaching adulthood, the flukes reproduce and start producing eggs, thus completing the life cycle.
Fasciola lanceolata is an economically significant parasite due to its ability to cause liver pathology in livestock animals. Heavy infestations can lead to weight loss, decreased productivity, liver damage, and even death if left untreated. Control and prevention measures, including strategic deworming and proper management practices, are crucial to minimize the impact of this parasitic infection on livestock health
Dicrocelium lanceatum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Fasciola" comes from the Latin term "fascia" meaning "band" or "stripe", which refers to the elongated shape of the organism. "Lanceolata" is derived from the Latin word "lancea", meaning "lance" or "spear", indicating the shape of the organism resembling a spearhead. Therefore, "Fasciola lanceolata" refers to a flatworm species with an elongated and spear-shaped body.