The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

DISTOMA

Distoma is a genus of trematode or suctorial parasitical worms or flukes, inhabiting various parts in different animals. Distoma hepaticum, or common liver fluke, inhabits the gall-bladder or ducts of the liver in sheep, and is the cause of the disease known as the rot. They have also been discovered in man (though rarely), the horse, the pig, the rabbit, birds, etc. In form it is ovate, flattened, and presents two suckers (whence the name), of which the anterior is perforated by the aperture of the mouth. A branched water-vascular system is present. All the animals of this genus present the phenomenon known as 'alternation of generation'.
Research Distoma