ABSTRACT
The paramphistome flukes are represented by a large number of species throughout the world, and they are parasites of the alimentary tract of humans, subhuman primates, ruminants, equines, and other herbivores; only about two species occur in birds. Paramphistomiasis is caused by several species of rumen flukes which infect cattle and sheep in various parts of the world. The body of Paramphistomum microbothrium is conical to pyriform and is nearly round in cross section but may be slightly concave ventrally and convex dorsally. Infections with adult paramphistomes, with a few exceptions, do not cause serious damage to the animal. Some adult paramphistomes, such as Gigantocotyle lerouxi, cause extensive chronic ulcerations of the abomasum of wild antelopes and cattle in some parts of Africa. Various anthelmintics have been used with success in expelling adult paramphistomes located in the rumen. Among these drugs are hexachlorophene; hexachloroethane bentonite suspension; bithionol; tetrachlorodifluoro-ethane and bithionol; and hexachlorophene combinations.
