Bertiella (flatworm)
Appearance
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Genus: | Bertiella Stiles & Hassall, 1902 [1]
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Bertiella is a genus of cestode tapeworm parasites that primarily infects nonhuman primates, rodents and Australian marsupials. Infections by Bertiella are known as bertielliasis. Occasionally, human infections have been documented by one of two species: Bertiella studeri, or Bertiella mucronata. Bertiella transmission is through oribatid mites that are present in the soil of problem areas, and can be easily prevented by avoiding contact with nonhuman primates, rodents and soil in these areas.
Of 29 different Bertiella species, only two can infect humans: Bertiella studeri (majority of human cases), and Bertiella mucronata.
Treatment
Albendazole is not effective in treating this condition: praziquantel is the preferred agent.[2]
References
- ^ "Genus Bertiella Stiles & Hassall, 1902". Australian Faunal Directory. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. October 9, 2008. Retrieved April 9, 2010.
- ^ Furtado AP, Batista Ede J, Gonçalves EC, Silva AM, Melo FT, Giese EG, Santos JN (2012) Human bertielliasis in Amazonia: case report and challenging diagnosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 6(6):e1580. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001580