intestinal fluke [L, intestinum + AS, floc] , any internal parasite of the genera Fasciolopsis, Heterophyes, and Metagonimus in North America and of other genera in Asia and in tropical countries. They enter the body through the mouth as encysted larvae in aquatic vegetation or freshwater fish. Symptoms of intestinal fluke infestation usually include abdominal pain and obstruction and diarrhea.
