Project name: Gnathostoma spinigerum

Description: Gnathostoma spinigerum is a nematode parasite of dogs and cats, and to a lesser extent, of humans. The life cycle of this nematode requires two intermediate hosts where different larval stages develop: fresh water copepods (first intermediate host) and tadpoles and fish (second intermediate host). Some type of animals may also serve as paratenic hosts. The final hosts are infected by ingesting raw or undercooked intermediate or paratenic hosts, or by drinking contaminated water.Gnathostomiasis is endemic in some Asian countries such as Thailand and Japan.

Last updated: 2007-12-31