Neglected rare human parasitic infections: Part III: Acanthocephaliasis

Abstract

Human acanthocephaliasis is a zoonotic parasitic infection with acanthocephalan species. Reports documenting human infection with acanthocephalans are relatively rare in the literature. Nonetheless, man has been infected with acanthocephalans since ancient times. Despite their economic and medical significance, acanthocephalans were found to be good indicators of environmental pollution. This review summarizes current knowledge of acanthocephalans as human parasites and their beneficial uses