Amphimerus noverca is a species of helminth from the family Opisthorchidae, which belongs to the class of trematodes. It parasitizes the bile ducts and gall bladder of dogs, foxes and pigs, as well as intermediate hosts – fish. This species is widespread in South and Southeast Asia, as well as in the Philippines. In humans, it causes the disease amphimerosis.
Amphimeras are helminths that have a flat, worm-like body and two suckers on the front of the body. They can reach a length of 5 to 20 mm. In the body of the intermediate host (fish), they develop in the larval stage, which is called coracidium. Coracidia are oval in shape and covered with a membrane.
In humans, amphimers can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. They can also damage the liver and gallbladder.
Treatment of amphimers in humans includes the use of anthelmintic drugs. However, since amphimeras are parasites that cause disease in animals, measures must be taken to prevent infection in humans and animals. This can be achieved by monitoring water and food quality, as well as preventive measures such as treating animal hair and controlling fish as intermediate hosts.
Thus, amphimeres pose a serious threat to human and animal health, especially in regions where they are common. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to prevent and treat them in order to protect the health of people and animals from these dangerous parasites.