Helminth Taxonomy - Phylum Acanthocephala (Thorny or Spiny Headed Worms)

These are highly specialised intestinal worms. They have separate sexes, no intestinal tract. The bodies of the parasite are divided into two regions, the posterior metasome, and the anterior praesoma which has a proboscis armed with hooks. There are three classes within the Acanthocephala, none of which contain parasites of man, except for some rare accidental infections.

Class Archiacanthocephala - Parasites of Mammals. Two species very occasionally infect man.

e.g. Moniliformis moniliformis - Mainly parasitic in rodents, but occasionally in man.

e.g. Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceous - Mainly parasitic in pigs, but occasionally in man.

Class Palaeacanthocephala - Parasites of Fish, Amphibia, Water Birds and Seals.

Class Eoacanthocephala - Parasites of Fish and Turtles.