Clinical Parasitology Review

Flashcards created to review key concepts from the Clinical Parasitology lectures.

What happens to the guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis) if it fails to reach the skin?

It dies, disintegrates, or calcifies.

What are the major clinical symptoms of diphyllobothriasis?

Mild symptoms, systemic toxemia, abdominal discomfort, loss of weight, loss of appetite, malnutrition.

What is the main treatment for Diphyllobothrium latum infection?

Praziquantel (5-10 mg/kg single dose) is the drug of choice.

What distinguishes trematodes from cestodes?

Trematodes (flukes) typically have a flat shape and are hermaphroditic, while cestodes (tapeworms) are segmented and can also be hermaphroditic except for schistosomes.

What is the primary route of infection for Taenia solium in humans?

Ingestion of cysticerci in undercooked pork.

What can result from the presence of plerocercoid in humans, as seen in sparganosis?

Presence can lead to severe inflammation and eosinophilia in affected areas.

What laboratory method is commonly used to diagnose schistosomiasis?

Recovery of eggs in stool or urine.

Define 'heteroxenous' and 'homoxenous' in the context of parasite life cycles.

Heteroxenous parasites require multiple intermediate hosts, while homoxenous parasites have only one intermediate host.

What is the infectious stage of Echinococcus granulosus for humans?

Embryonated eggs in feces.

What is a characteristic symptom of Fascioliasis?

Intermittent biliary obstruction, abdominal pain, and hepatomegaly.

What is the primary distinguishing feature of schistosomes compared to other trematodes?

They are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female individuals.

What type of intermediate host do trematodes commonly require during their life cycle?

A mollusk, most often a snail.

What is the mortality rate associated with untreated Guinea worm disease?

The mortality rate is low, but severe complications can occur if the worm is not removed correctly.

How long can a Guinea worm grow inside the host before it emerges?

A Guinea worm can grow up to 1 meter long and can take approximately one year to emerge.

What are the primary prevention strategies for Guinea worm disease?

Preventing infection includes providing safe drinking water and education about the disease.

Where is Diphyllobothrium latum most commonly found?

It is commonly found in freshwater lakes and rivers, particularly in areas where fish are a dietary staple.

What is the role of the definitive host in the life cycle of Echinococcus granulosus?

The definitive host, usually a canine, is where the adult tapeworm resides and produces eggs.

What types of foods can lead to the transmission of Taenia solium?

Transmission can occur through consumption of undercooked pork containing cysticerci.

What is the main symptom of schistosomiasis that leads to complications?

Hematuria (blood in urine) is a key symptom that can lead to severe complications.

What kind of immune response is often involved in the presence of plerocercoid?

An eosinophilic immune response is often triggered in the presence of plerocercoid.

What regions are most affected by Fascioliasis?

Fascioliasis is primarily found in regions of South America, the Middle East, and Africa.

Why is it crucial to identify the intermediate hosts of trematodes?

Identifying intermediate hosts is vital for understanding transmission and developing control measures.