Angelesia

Angelesia is a genus of trematode flatworms belonging to the family Paramphistomatidae. These parasitic worms are primarily found in the digestive tracts of reptiles, particularly turtles and tortoises. Angelesia species are characterized by their conical or pear-shaped body and the presence of a prominent posterior sucker, typical of paramphistomatid trematodes.

The life cycle of Angelesia involves a complex series of hosts. The adult worms reside in the intestines of the definitive reptilian host. Eggs are passed out with the feces and, under suitable environmental conditions, hatch into free-swimming miracidia. The miracidia then infect an intermediate snail host. Within the snail, the parasite undergoes asexual reproduction, producing cercariae. These cercariae are released from the snail and encyst on vegetation or other surfaces, forming metacercariae. The definitive host becomes infected by ingesting the metacercariae.

While Angelesia infections are generally not considered severely pathogenic, heavy infections can lead to intestinal inflammation and reduced digestive efficiency in the host reptiles. Diagnosis is typically based on the identification of eggs in fecal samples. Treatment options for Angelesia infections in reptiles are limited, and prevention focuses on controlling snail populations and preventing exposure to contaminated vegetation. The study of Angelesia contributes to our understanding of parasitic worm diversity and the ecological relationships within reptilian ecosystems.