The life cycle and parasitic system of opisthorchis felineus in the Irkutsk opisthorchiasis focus

The article for the first time presents generalized data on the parasitic system and the life cycle of Opisthorchis felineus (Plathelminthes: Trematoda) in the Irkutsk center of opisthorchiasis on the river Biryus. The relatively low abundance and contagion of the first (mollusks) and second intermediate hosts (fish) clearly demonstrates that the natural and anthropogenic sources of invasion are very minor here. Human, domestic cats are infected with opistorch. However, because of the actual breaking of the chain, their eggs may not be released into the water due to objective circumstances (remoteness, small number or absence of the first intermediate owners). O. felineus during the implementation of its life cycle in the parasitic system can complete it as an autogenous species, without leaving the aquatic environment and as an allogeneic species, completing the life cycle in land mammals and in humans.