Question

Are flatworms harmful to humans?

Answer 1

Flatworms:

1. Flatworms have bilaterally symmetrical, triploblastic, acoelomate animals that belong to the phylum Platyhelminthes.
2. Flatworms can be harmful to humans. These are generally endoparasites that cause numerous diseases.
3. Taeniasis, an intestinal infection, is caused by parasitic flatworms viz. Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, and Taenia asiatica.
4. Another acute parasitic disease called schistosomiasis is caused by Schistosoma.
5. Fascioliasis is a liver infection caused by Fasciola hepatica.
6. Ingestion of food or water which is contaminated with the larvae or eggs of flatworms result in these diseases. These worms can migrate from the intestines to other organs and tissues.