Q71: Parasite occurring in the mesenteric vein of Zebu cattle in... - Veterinary Helminthology - Veterinary Parasitology- ICAR JRF/SRF 2024 | Agrigyan

• Key Concept & Classification: Orientobilharzia bomfordi (also designated Schistosoma bomfordi) is a dioecious blood fluke belonging to the family Schistosomatidae that inhabits the mesenteric veins of Zebu cattle (Bos indicus), water buffaloes, sheep, and goats across the Indian subcontinent.
• Pathology & Symptoms: Adult flukes residing in the mesenteric venules release spined eggs that penetrate through intestinal capillary walls into the lumen, causing micro-abscesses, eosinophilic granulomas, petechial haemorrhages, and chronic catarrhal enteritis with intermittent diarrhoea and emaciation.
• Vector & Transmission: Freshwater pulmonate snails such as Lymnaea luteola and Lymnaea acuminata serve as intermediate hosts, shedding brevifurcate apharyngeate cercariae that penetrate animal skin or mucous membranes during watering.
• Differential Context: Schistosoma haematobium infects the vesical/pelvic venous plexuses of humans causing urinary schistosomiasis; Bivitellobilharzia nairi inhabits the portal and mesenteric veins of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus); Gigantobilharzia spp. are avian schistosomes causing cercarial dermatitis in swimmers.

Correct option: (1) Orientobilharzia bomfordi