Trematode Helminths of the Small Intestine

Trematode helminths are among the parasites infecting the human small intestine. They are most common where unhealthy water supply, poor sanitation, and overcrowding are present. Trematode helminths are highest in young adults and among immunocompromized individuals. Infection is mainly caused by ingesting foods and drinks contaminated with infective stages, eating raw or undercooked fish infected with parasitic stages, flies, food handlers, and autoinfection. Trematode infections cause diarrhea, malabsorption, abdominal colic, discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dysentery, and intestinal obstruction, and also, anemia, malnutrition, and indigestion. The following are the commonest trematodes infecting the small intestine: