11. Nematodes (infective eggs) Flashcards
which nematodes are infective in the egg stage?
Trichuris truchiura
Ascaris lumbricoides
Enterobius vermicularis
what is the comon name for Trichuris truchiura?
Human whip worm
what is important to remember in terms of morphology about Trichuris trichiura?
- the adult worm shape: looks like a whip
- the egg hallmark character: bipolar plugs
what rank is Trichuris trichiura in terms of occurence?
third most common nematode of humans
where is T. truchiura found globally? and among who?
- around the world
- more frequent in tropical whether-zones with poor sanitation practices
- children are more prone because they play in dirt and the eggs are found in dirt
how did they know about coevolution with T. trichiura and that it was in prehistoric humans?
they found petrified eggs in prehistoric humans
what is the cat whipworm?
Trichuris campanula
what is the pig whipworm?
Trichuris suis
what is the mouse whipworm?
Trichuris muris
what is the dog whipworm?
Trichuris vulpis
describe the body type of the adult Trichuris trichiura
Adult worm has a narrow anterior esophageal end and shorter and thicker posterior anus
how are male and female Trichuris worms differentiated?
- Females are larger than males; approximately 35-50mm long compared to 30-45mm
- males have a curled posterior
are eggs in feces embryonated for T. truchiura?
NO - they become embryonated in the soil before becoming infectious
where does the entire life cycle take place in T. trichiura?
in the human small intestine
give a description of the egg of T. truchiura?
- Eggs appear barrel-shaped
- unembryonated
- bipolar plugs
- smooth shell
what is the first intestinal stage after embryonated egg of T. trichiura?
- L1 larvae hatch in the small intestine
what is rectal prolapse?
the rectal area comes out of the anus if you have very high infection - Caused by the weakening of the ligaments and muscles that hold the rectum in place
describe the pathology of T. trichiura infection
- Most infections for humans are asymptomatic
- In some cases:
Heavy infection, especially in small children, can cause gastrointestinal problems (abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal prolapse) and possibly growth retardation (stunting)
Malnutrition in children with heavy infection
how is T. trichiura infection treated?
Mebendazole is the drug of choice, with albendazole as an alternative
what is the treatment of T. trichiura (by mebendazole) effective against?
only the adult worm
never any of the larval stages or eggs
what stage does pinworm infect?
the egg stage
what is an inherited parasite?
it is a host‐specific parasite that has a long history of co‐ evolution with ancient human ancestors dating back to Africa before human dispersion across the continents.
what is a synonym for pinworm?
Enterobius vermicularis
Seatworm
what age is common to catch pinworm?
school-aged children