Platyzoa Collection

Schistosoma spp. blood flukes
Blood flukes mating. These parasites are found in man and other mammals. Snails are the intermediate hosts

Taenia saginata, beef tapeworm
The beef tapeworm parasite can reach lengths of up to 10 metres. It is found in humans and animals which have consumed meat infected with the larvae

Taenia solium, pork tapeworm
The pork tapeworm parasite can reach lengths of up to 8 metres. It is found in humans and animals which have consumed meat infected with the larvae

Schistosoma spp. blood fluke
The blood fluke (Schistosoma spp.) is the cause of the disease bilharzia or schistosomiasis in humans

Gyrodactylus, aquatic parasite
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a monogenean, Gyrodactylus, a small leech-like parasite on the skin of a salmon (x 600)

Blood flukes mating C016 / 5782
Blood flukes (Schistosoma sp.) mating. These parasites are found in man and other mammals

Diphyllobothrium polyrugosum, tapeworm
Discovered inside a 3.8 metre killer whale washed up on a beach in Cornwall in 1978

Paragonimus sp. parasitic worm
Human lung fluke, a parasitic worm. Common in South East Asia, in 1980 there were thought to be 3 million people infected

Halipegus hessleri, parasitic worm
A parasitic worm specimen measuring 3.3mm

Amirthalingamia macracantha, tapeworm

Bulinus sp. Biomphalaria sp. African snails
A collection of shells of species involved in the life cycle of blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma which gives rise to the disease Schistosomiasis in humans

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Platyzoa: Unveiling the Intricate World of Parasitic Worms and Tapeworms Delving into the realm of Platyzoa, we encounter a diverse group of organisms that captivate our attention with their unique characteristics. From blood flukes to tapeworms, this enigmatic phylum presents an intriguing tapestry of parasitic lifeforms. Schistosoma spp. , commonly known as blood flukes, are notorious for causing schistosomiasis—a debilitating disease affecting millions worldwide. These microscopic parasites infiltrate human bodies through contact with contaminated water, penetrating our skin to reach vital organs. Their complex life cycle involves freshwater snails (Bulinus sp. , Biomphalaria sp. ) as intermediate hosts before infecting humans and perpetuating their lifecycle. Another member is Taenia saginata, better recognized as the beef tapeworm. This parasite finds its way into our digestive system when undercooked beef containing cysticerci is consumed. Similarly, Taenia solium—commonly referred to as the pork tapeworm—poses a threat when raw or undercooked pork harboring larvae is ingested. Gyrodactylus stands out among Platyzoan parasites due to its aquatic nature. This tiny creature attaches itself onto fish species and feeds on their bodily fluids while reproducing prolifically. Its ability to rapidly multiply makes it a formidable adversary in aquaculture industries where infected fish can suffer severe consequences. The captivating sight of Blood Flukes mating (C016 / 5782) showcases the intricate reproductive behavior within this phylum. The union between male and female Schistosoma spp. , facilitated by specialized structures called gynecophoral canals, ensures successful reproduction and continuation of their lineage. Diphyllobothrium polyrugosum adds another dimension to Platyzoa's diversity—an intestinal tapeworm that primarily infects fish-eating mammals, including humans.