[Developmental characteristics of the causative agent of fasciolopsiasis and its epidemiology in Vietnam].

The authors consider the specific features of development ofa Fasciolopsis buski trematode in the environment and intermediate and final hosts. It has been ascertained that under the conditions of Vietnam, the eggs may develop in the temperature range of 20 to 34 degrees C, which takes 20 to 51 days. The eggs die at less than 12 degrees C. As a new intermediate host of the trematode, the authors have registered the mollusk Indoplanorbis exutus, the development of the parasite in which occurs within 32-37 days at 27-33 degrees C. Invasiveness of adolescaria reduces with age. The parasite develops to sexual maturity in the final host within 36-51 days, which is much less than the time mentioned in the literature. In Vietnam, the porcine parasite is encountered everywhere, but the animals are more infected in the northern provinces than in the south of the country. The human parasite is also detected throughout the country, but comparatively rarely and in small quantities.