Helminthic Infestations of the Intestinal Tract Flashcards
Characteristics of Helminthic
- Macroscopic, multicellular worms
- Infest the GI tract and live there as parasites
Examples of helminthic infestations of the intestinal tract
- Tapeworm infestation
- Pinworm infestations
Tapeworm Infestations
- Also called Cestode
- Flat
- Segmented
- Parasitic helminth
What are Tapeworms?
-Tapeworms exist as intestinal parasites that lack their own digestive systems
Pathogens for Tapeworm Infestations
- Taenia saginata-beef tapeworm
- Taenia solium-pork tapeworm
Taenia life cycle for Tapeworm Infestations
Life cycle divided between a primary and intermediate host
Signs and Symptoms for Tapeworm Infestations
- Typically asymptomatic
- Presence of worm segments in feces
Epidemiology for Tapeworm Infestations
- Poor sewage treatment
- Live in close contact with livestock
Diagnosis for Tapeworm Infestations
Presence of proglottids in fecal sample
Treatment for Tapeworm Infestations
- Niclosamide
- Praziquantel
Prevention for Tapeworm Infestations
Thorough cooking of meats
Characteristics of Pinworm Infestation
- Also called nematodes
- Long
- Thin
- Unsegmented
- Cylindrical helminth
Signs and Symptoms for Pinworm Infestation
-Asymptomatic infections= 1/3 of the cases Symptomatic infection = -Perianal itching from eggs -Irritability -Decreased appetite
Pathogen for Pinworm Infestation
Enterobius vermicularis
Epidemiology for Pinworm Infestation
- Commonly occur in children
- Enterobius (Pineworm) is the most common parasitic worm in the United States
