Digenetic meaning

Digenetic refers to a parasite with a two-host lifecycle.


Digenetic definitions

Word backwards citenegid
Part of speech Digenetic is an adjective.
Syllabic division di-gen-et-ic
Plural The plural of the word digenetic is digenetic.
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) i,e
Consonants (5) d,g,n,t,c

When it comes to parasitology, the study of digenetic parasites plays a crucial role in understanding their life cycles and interactions with their hosts. Digenetic parasites are a diverse group of organisms that have complex life cycles involving two or more hosts. These parasites go through different stages of development in each host, making their life cycles intricate and fascinating to study.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of a digenetic parasite typically begins with eggs or larvae being released into the environment by the adult parasite. These eggs or larvae are then ingested by an intermediate host, where they undergo further development. Once inside the intermediate host, the parasite may undergo asexual reproduction, leading to the production of infective stages that can be transmitted to the final host.

Intermediate and Final Hosts

Intermediate hosts play a critical role in the life cycle of digenetic parasites, as they provide the environment necessary for the parasite to develop and multiply. In some cases, the parasite may alter the behavior or physiology of the intermediate host to increase its chances of reaching the final host. The final host is where the adult parasite reaches sexual maturity and reproduces, starting the cycle anew.

Examples of Digenetic Parasites

Some well-known examples of digenetic parasites include the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, which infects sheep and other mammals, and the blood fluke, Schistosoma, which causes schistosomiasis in humans. These parasites have complex life cycles involving snail intermediate hosts and vertebrate final hosts, demonstrating the diversity of strategies employed by digenetic parasites to complete their life cycles.

Impact on Hosts

Digenetic parasites can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of their hosts. Infections with these parasites can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe disease. Understanding the life cycles and transmission patterns of digenetic parasites is essential for developing effective control measures to prevent and manage infections in both humans and animals.

Research and Control

Researchers continue to study digenetic parasites to uncover new insights into their biology and potential vulnerabilities that can be targeted for control. By understanding the intricacies of digenetic parasite life cycles, scientists can develop innovative strategies for preventing and treating infections, ultimately improving the health outcomes of both hosts and reducing the burden of parasitic diseases worldwide.


Digenetic Examples

  1. The life cycle of certain parasites involves a digenetic stage in two different hosts.
  2. Researchers are studying the digenetic nature of a particular species of tapeworm.
  3. Understanding the digenetic process is crucial for controlling parasitic infections.
  4. The digenetic life cycle of a fluke includes a mollusk as an intermediate host.
  5. Parasitologists are investigating the transmission dynamics of digenetic parasites.
  6. The complex digenetic life cycle of a worm involves both aquatic and terrestrial hosts.
  7. A digenetic parasite can cause harm to both humans and animals.
  8. Certain species of flatworms have a digenetic life cycle with multiple stages.
  9. Veterinarians need to consider the possibility of digenetic infections in their patients.
  10. The study of digenetic parasites is important for public health and veterinary medicine.


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  • Updated 25/04/2024 - 20:18:57