Helminths

Question 1

What types of helminths are there?

Answer 1

• Cestodes (tapeworms)
• Trematodes (flukes)
• Nematodes (roundworms)

Question 2

Give an example of a cestode infection

Answer 2

Tape Worm

Beef/pork contaminated meat
Treated with gut bath by praziquantel

Question 3

Give an example of a fluke

Answer 3

Schistosomiasis
Found in Africa, SE Asia, faecal and urine infection

Carcinogenic to the bladder and calcifies
Retrograde to the liver and can cause cirrhosis (but synthetic function of the liver maintained)

Diagnosed: microscopy, serology, biopsy

Treated with: praziquantel

Question 4

Give an example of a round worm

Answer 4

Ascaris (can grow up to half a metre long!)

Causes: obstruction, malabsorption, blood loss

Strongyloidiasis

• Can cause autoinfection
• Treat with ivomectin

Question 5

What is myiasis

Answer 5

By the bot fly (or other types)

- Borrows in skin and leaves when fully grown