The eggs of this parasite transverse the gut and are eliminated in the hosts feces. The eggs, usually found on contaminated vegetation or in water, serve as the source of infection. Larvae migrate through host tissue and establish as nymphs in lymph nodes, digestive glands, etc. Canids become infected by eating these hosts. Linguatula is zoonotic and it is the nymphal stage that can infect man.
Infections result from eating raw glandular material of infected cattle, sheep, goats, etc.
Infections in man are established in the nasopharynx. At present there is no treatment for either human or canine pentastomiasis although Ivermectin may have promise.