Flukes are parasitic flatworms that infect the blood vessels, GI tract, lungs, or liver. They are often categorized according to the organ system they invade:
Schistosoma sp: Vasculature of the GI or GU system
Fasciolopsis buski, Heterophyes heterophyes, and related organisms: Lumen of the GI tract
Clonorchis sinensis, Fasciola hepatica, and Opisthorchis sp: Liver
Paragonimus westermani and related species: Lungs and other organs such as the CNS
Last full review/revision December 2009 by Richard D. Pearson, MD
