MLSC 3333: Nematodes and Filaria Info

General characteristics of Nematodes

roundworms, adults with tapered cylindrical bodies, esophagus, and longitudinal muscles

Diagnosis phases of nematodes

Adult, Larvae, Egg

Most nematodes require an to develop

intermediate host

What is the definitive host of nematodes

humans

What is the infective phase of nematodes

larval

What are some symptoms of nematode infection

diarrhea, vomiting, skin ulcers

What are the intestinal nematodes?

Ascaris lumbracoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Stronglyloies stercoralis, Hookworm, Trichruis trichuria

What are the intestinal tissue nematodes?

Trichinella spiralis,

Dracunculus medinensis

Describe Ascaris lumbracoides

Largest nematode, Females 20-35 cm, Males 15-30 cm, White to pink, most visible in samples even to the naked eye

What is the most common helminth infection

Ascaris lumbricoides

Where is Ascaris lumbricoides found?

Worldwide, in the US rural southeast and Blue Ridge Mountains

What is the life cycle of Ascaris lumbricoides?

Often found in feces and soil, child ingests infected soil into their system, bumpy eggs appear

Clinical features of Ascaris lumbricoides

Usually no acute symptoms, high worm burdens can lead to abdominal pain/intestinal obstruction, adult worms can migrate to lungs, biliary tract, or sputum

Describe Ascaris lumbricoides eggs

Round, 50 x 75 microns, thick shelled, contains developing embryo when fertilized