Parasitic Nematodes Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts related to various parasitic nematodes, their transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Enterobius vermicularis

Commonly known as pinworm, its primary symptom of infection is anal itching.

Natural reservoir for E. vermicularis

Humans are the natural reservoir for Enterobius vermicularis.

Diagnosis method for E. vermicularis

The standard method for diagnosing infections is the tape test.

Treatment for E. vermicularis

Infections are typically treated with antiparasitic medications such as mebendazole.

Common Trichuris spp. infection in humans

Trichuris trichiura is the species of whipworm that most commonly causes infections in humans.

Intracellular or extracellular for Trichuris spp.

Trichuris spp. are extracellular parasites.

Symptoms of Trichuria trichurias infection

Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and potential anemia.

Diagnosis and treatment of Trichuria trichurias infection

Diagnosis is done via stool examination, and treatment usually involves antiparasitic drugs.

Infections caused by Capillaria aerophilus

Capillaria aerophilus primarily causes respiratory infections in dogs.

Lifecycle type of Ascaris lumbricoides

Ascaris lumbricoides has a direct lifecycle.

Transmission route for A. lumbricoides

A. lumbricoides is transmitted to humans through ingestion of eggs.

Maturation organ for A. lumbricoides larvae

A. lumbricoides larvae migrate to and mature in the intestines.

Symptoms of heavy A. lumbricoides infection

Symptoms can include abdominal discomfort, malnutrition, and potentially intestinal obstruction.

Diagnosis and treatment for A. lumbricoides

Diagnosis is via stool examination, and treatment involves antiparasitic medication.

Transmission route for human hookworms

Human hookworms are transmitted through skin penetration by larvae.

Symptoms of hookworm larvae entering skin

Symptoms may include localized itching and rash.

Human intestinal hookworm virulence factor

A common virulence factor is the ability to secrete anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting.

Serious effects of hookworm infection

The most serious effects can include anemia and protein deficiency.

Treatment for human hookworm infections

Treatment involves antiparasitic medications such as albendazole.

Lifecycle type of Strongyloides stercoralis

Strongyloides stercoralis exhibits a free-living and parasitic lifecycle.

Common developmental stage in stool for S. stercoralis

The rhabditiform larvae are commonly found in stool, and they are not infective at this stage.

Treatment triggering hyperinfection syndrome for S. stercoralis

Corticosteroids are commonly used treatments that can trigger hyperinfection syndrome.

Diagnosis for S. stercoralis infection

Diagnosis is typically made through stool examination for larvae.

Treatment for hyperinfection syndrome caused by S. stercoralis

Treatment may include high doses of ivermectin.

Infectious stage of Trichinella spp.

The infectious stage is encysted larvae found in undercooked meat.

Hosts for Trichinella spp.

Pigs and wild game are intermediate hosts.

Severe manifestations of Trichinosis

Severe manifestations can include muscle pain and fever.

Diagnosis for Trichinella spp. infection

Diagnosis is usually done through serologic tests or biopsy.

Treatment for Trichinella spp. infections

Treatment typically involves the use of albendazole or mebendazole.

Two zoonotic hookworm species

Ancylostoma caninum and Ancylostoma braziliensis are both zoonotic species.

Zoonotic roundworm species from dogs and cats

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are zoonotic roundworms.

Transmission route comparison for zoonotic hookworms vs roundworms

Zoonotic hookworms are transmitted through skin penetration, while roundworms are transmitted via ingestion.

Symptoms of disease from zoonotic hookworms vs roundworms

Zoonotic hookworm infections can cause anemia, while roundworm infections can lead to visceral larva migrans.

Definitive host of Baylisascaris procyonis

The raccoon is the definitive host of Baylisascaris procyonis.

Filarial worm responsible for lymphatic filariasis

Wuchereria bancrofti is responsible for over 90% of lymphatic filariasis cases.

Natural reservoir of lymphatic filarial worms

The natural reservoir is typically mosquitoes.

Symptoms of lymphatic filariasis

Symptoms include swelling of limbs, elephantiasis, and lymphedema.

Diagnosis method for lymphatic filariasis

Diagnosis is commonly made using blood smears to detect microfilariae.