Acanthocephalans And Protozoa Flashcards
Describe the morphology of the acanthocephala
Long cylindrical nose with retractable probiscus. Probiscis is covered in spines which allows attachment organelles.
Has males and females.
Absorb nutrients by their body surface
How many eggs are laid by an adult acanthocephala per day
1/4 million per day
Describe the egg of the acanthocephalan
Contains a larval form. Unique shape with three shells.
Describe the lifecycle of the acanthocephalan
Ingestion of egg by arthropod intermediate host. Egg hatches in the intermediate host and develops into a stage with an inverted proboscis (acanthella). The intermediate host is ingested and the proboscis everts which allows for attachment to the intestine
What is the oncicola canis
Lives in small intestine, the proboscis can perforate the intestinal wall and cause peritonitis.
What is the intermediate host for oncicola canis
Dung beetle
How do you diagnose oncicola canis
Fecal flotation.
Describe protozoa
Most protozoa are free living organisms that are Uni cellular and motile. Mostly microscopic and into forms a cyst or a trophozoite
How are protozoans classed in their phylla
Based on their movement style: Flagellates Amoebae Ciliates Apicomplexans
Describe flagellates
May come in two forms. At least one flagellum in the trophozoites form which allows for movement. They live in liquid: blood, lymph, CSF. Tear drop and pear shaped.
What are some flagellate pathogens
Trichomonas
Giardia
Trypanosoma
How do amoeba move
By pseudopods
What are the two forms that amoebas come in
Trophozoite form and cystic form
What is an example of an amoeba pathogen
Entamoeba histolytica: causes dysentery
What does it mean if you see two nucleus in a cystic form of an amoeba
It is immature. Four nucleus is the adult
What are ciliates
Covered by cilia. Creates their movement and the dart and twirl.
What are the two types of nuclei in ciliates
Macro and micro
What are APicomplexans
Important cost in veterinary medicine do to their complicated lifestyles. Banana or boomerang shape
What are some examples of apicomplexans
Toxoplasma, plasmodium (malaria), eimeria (coccidiosis in LG animals), cystoisospora, cryptosporidium
Describe the phylum acanthocephala
Thorny headed worm. Most marine and freshwater fish, aquatic birds. In the small intestine
What are some general facts about giardia ?
Infect 41 species.
Direct cycle
Occur in two forms
Where is giardia located
In the intestinal mucosa and may or may not cause physical damage
What are the two forms of giardia
Trophozoites and cysts
Describe the cyst form of giardia
Contain 4 nuclei.
What is characteristic of an animal affected with giardia
Greasy, white, mucus due to lypolosis
What is the pathology of giardia
Compete with host for food. Irritates intestinal cells by its adhesive disk and interferes mechanically with nutrient absorption. Causes excessive mucus production. Secretes toxins that interfere with enzymatic activity.
Describe the giardia life cycle
Cysts are ingested
Cause excystation in duodenum
Drop off mucosal surface and encyst and is immediately infective
What is the PPP for giardia in dogs
6-8 days
What is the PPP for giardia in cats
1-2weeks
How many trophozoites are in one cyst
Two trophozoites
Describe the cysts of giardia
Survive in the environment for months. Resist freezing and bleach
How do you destroy giardia cysts
Boiling water
Describe the zoonotic potential of giardia
You can get it from cats and dogs but humans generally get it from other humans by drinking/eating food and water contaminated with cysts