Nematoda

Phylum Nematoda

~25,000 species, roundworms, found in all ecosystems, many parasitic in plants and animals by taking nutrients, eutely

Necator americanus

Hook worm, infect 1.3 billion people, adult lives in intestine, larvae passed in feces, infect through foot

Enterobius vermicularis

Pinworm, infect 500 million people, adults in intestine, females lay eggs in anus causing itching. infection by breating or ingesting eggs

Dracunculus medinensis

Cause Guinea-worm disease, Infection through drinking water, larvae emerge from blisters after a year, causes painful ulceration.

Genus Ascaris

25% of humans infected, worms live in small intestine and cause blockage

Genus Wuchereia and Onchocerca

120 million infected, block lymphatic system (elephantiasis), spread by mosquitoes

Onchocerca volvulus

18 million infected, cause river blindness, spread by blackfly bites.

Wolbachia bacteria

endosymbiotic bacteria associated with filarial nematodes, crucial for their reproduction and survival.

Genus Trichinella

40 million infected, causes Trichinosis, transmitted through undercooked meat, especially pork.

Haemonchus contortus

parasitic nematode, barber’s pole worm, infects livestock, causing significant economic losses.

Genus Dirofilaria

parasitic nematodes, Dirofilaria immitis causes heartworm disease in dogs, tramsmitted by mosquitoes

Placentonema gigantissima

giant parasitic nematode, found in the placenta of sperm whales, unique reproductive characteristics.

Mermis nigrescens

parasitic nematode infects insects like grasshoppers and crickets, manipulating host behavior.

Family Mermithidae

parasitic nematodes that primarily infect insects, often altering their behavior and physiology.

Caenorhabditis elegans

a model organism widely used in genetic and developmental biology studies, first mulitcellular organism to have its whole genome sequenced.

Genus Trichuris

Whipworms, parasitic nematodes infect the intestines of mammals, may suppress gut disease