Helminths Flashcards
What are helminths?
Parasitic worms that infect humans and animals.
What are the three main types of helminths?
Nematodes (roundworms), trematodes (flukes), cestodes (tapeworms).
How do helminths infect humans?
Through ingestion of eggs, larvae, or skin penetration.
What is a common nematode infection?
Hookworm, roundworm, pinworm, filariasis.
What is a common trematode infection?
Schistosomiasis (fluke infection).
What is a common cestode infection?
Tapeworms, e.g., Taenia solium (pork tapeworm).
How do hookworms enter the body?
Penetrate skin, often through bare feet in contaminated soil.
How are roundworms typically transmitted?
Through ingestion of contaminated food, water, or soil (eggs).
What are symptoms of a helminth infection?
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, itching.
How do tapeworms attach to the intestines?
Using hooks or suckers on their head (scolex).
How does schistosomiasis affect the body?
Causes inflammation, liver damage, blood in urine or stool.
What is a characteristic symptom of pinworm infection?
Itchy anus, especially at night.
What organs do helminths commonly affect?
Intestines, liver, lungs, blood vessels.
How do helminths evade the immune system?
By changing surface proteins, hiding in tissues, or suppressing immune responses.
What is the role of eosinophils in helminth infections?
They attack and help kill helminths.
How are helminth infections diagnosed?
Stool samples, blood tests, imaging, or biopsy.
What is the treatment for helminth infections?
Anthelmintic drugs (e.g., albendazole, mebendazole).
How can helminth infections be prevented?
Improved sanitation, handwashing, safe food and water, wearing shoes.
What are the lifecycle stages of a helminth?
Eggs, larvae, adult worm.
How do filarial worms affect the body?
Cause lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) by blocking lymph vessels.
What is the definitive host for most helminths?
Humans, who harbor the adult worms.
What is the intermediate host in a helminth infection?
Animals or insects that carry larval stages of helminths.
What is ascariasis?
A roundworm infection caused by Ascaris lumbricoides.
How can tapeworms cause cysticercosis?
By ingesting tapeworm eggs from undercooked pork, leading to cysts in organs.
What is trichinosis?
A disease caused by eating undercooked meat infected with Trichinella larvae.
How do schistosomes infect the body?
Penetrate skin while swimming in contaminated water.
How do hookworm larvae travel in the body?
They travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, then up to the throat to be swallowed.
What are complications of untreated helminth infections?
Malnutrition, organ damage, anemia, and growth problems.
How can helminth infections impact the immune system?
By suppressing immune responses, making the body more vulnerable to other infections.
Why are pregnant women at higher risk of helminth infections?
Changes in immune function and possible nutrient deficiencies.
