Physaloptera is a genus of parasitic nematodes in the family Physalopteridae.

Systematics

Species include: Undescribed or unidentified species have been found on the hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) in the southern United States, the marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) in Florida, and Leontopithecus rosalia, Physalaemus soaresi, Cacajao calvus, and Lagothrix lagotricha in Brazil.

Physaloptera spp. as human parasites

Most species utilize insects such as crickets, cockroaches, and beetles as intermediate hosts. Several species of Physaloptera can be parasites of primates and man. This rare disease is known as spiruridiasis. Human infection is considered to be ancient; eggs of Physaloptera sp. were found in a grave of the Bronze Age in Iran.

Literature cited