Trematode

, commonly known as flukes , are a class of parasitic flatworms within the phylum Platyhelminthes. There are an estimated 18,000 to 24,000 species, most of which are obligate internal parasites that inhabit the blood, liver, lungs, or intestines of vertebrate hosts. Biological Characteristics

: A tough, continuous outer layer called a syncytial tegument protects them from the host's digestive enzymes and immune system. trematode

: They typically have flattened, leaf-like, or worm-like bodies ranging from 1 mm to several centimeters in length. , commonly known as flukes , are a

Trematodes typically require at least two different hosts to complete their development: commonly known as flukes