Armillifer


Armillifer is a genus of tongue worms in the subclass Pentastomida. It contains the following species:

Interactions with humans

Obligate parasites, Armillifer worms had been linked to human disease as early as 1847, although infections are rare and are caused by human consumption of undercooked meat of a host. The majority of infections are caused by the tropical African species Armillifer armillatus. Only 45% of patients in one study experienced symptoms from the infection. Unfortunately, 67% of patients with worm infections in their eyes were driven permanently blind by the parasite.