Helminthic Infections Flashcards
Another name for roundworm
nematode
Morphology of nematode
elongated cylindrical body that tapers at either end; covered by multi-layered cuticle (not recognized as foreign); separate sexes
Life cycle of nematodes
eggs –> larvae (in environment) –> adults (in host)
Reinfection of nematodes
rare; eggs need to be in environment for days-weeks to be contagious; Exception: PINWORM (short duration, reinfection)
Pinworm name
Enterobius vermicularis
Enterobiasis cause
pinworm (enterobius vermicularis)
Most common helminth disease
pinworm (enterobiasis)
Characteristic of pinworm
small, whitish;
short life cycle for eggs (reinfection)
transmitted person to person or indirectly from environment;
children (most common)
Life cycle of enterobiasis
eggs deposited on perianal –> infective eggs are ingested and larvae hatch in small intestine –> adult establish and mature in colon (~2 mo) –> Gravid female migrates at night to perianal to deposit eggs –> eggs infectious in 4-6 hours (survive indoors 2-3 weeks)
Sx of pinworm
mainly asymptomatic
PRURITUS ANI
bacterial infection, disturbed sleep, abdominal pain
infection of female genital tract
Dx of pinworm
tape method- eggs on perianal skin (2-3 hrs after goes to sleep, first in morning, 3 consec days, fingernails)
NO PCR or SERO TESTS or STOOL
Tx for pinworm
mebendazole/albendazole
all members in household should be treated at same time!;
HANDWASHING to minimize spread
Acquired through soil ingestioin
Ascaris lumbricoides (large intestinal roundworm) & Trichuris trichiura (whipworm)
Cause of ascariasis
Ascaris lumbricoides
Life cycle of Ascaris
infective eggs ingested –> larvae released into duodenum –> larvae penetrate mucosa and travel in bloodstream to lungs –> larvae penetrate alveoli and travel up trachea to oropharynx –> larvae swalloed and mature in duodenum –> adult worms produce eggs which can become infective in soil (18 days - several weeks) –> adult worms live ~2 years
Sx of ascariasis
asymptomatic
depends on worm burden: blockage, Pulmonary-Loeffler’s syndrome, ab pain, obstruction
Dx of ascariasis
Microscopic detection of eggs in stool
Tx: mebend/alben
Trichuris trichiura aka
whipworm
Cause of trichuriasis
trichuris thrichiura
Characterists of trichuris
small worm with whiplike morphology; “egg capsules” (pinched capsule at each end)
Epidemiology of trichuris
ingestion of contaminated soil; prevalent in children; worldwide
Life cycle of trichuris
infective (embryonated) eggs are ingest and larvae release in duodenum –> matures in colon –> released eggs mature in soil
Sx of trichuris
determined by worm burden most asymptomatic (light) heavy: frequent painful passage of stool (mucus, water and blood!); rectal prolapse, children: growth retardation and anemia
Dx of trichuris
eggs in stool (Egg capsules)