JD - Anthelmintics I

Question 1

What are examples of two common anthelmintic drugs?

Answer 1

• Levamisole
• Piperazine

Question 2

What is a newer class of compounds for anthelmintic drugs? (2)

Answer 2

• Aminoacetonitrile Derivatives: This likely refers to a class of compounds being investigated as potential new anthelmintic drugs.
• Emodepside: This is a specific anthelmintic drug that belongs to a newer class of compounds.

Question 3

What are helminths? (3)

Answer 3

Parasitic worms classified into three main types:

• • Nematodes (roundworms): Cylindrical, unsegmented body; e.g., pinworms, hookworms.
• Trematodes (flukes): Flattened, leaf-like body; e.g., liver flukes.
• Cestodes (tapeworms): Ribbon-like segmented body; e.g., intestinal tapeworms.

Question 4

How can humans and animals become infected by parasites? (4)

Answer 4

1. Ingestion of contaminated material: Pathogens in food/water; e.g., Salmonella, cholera.
2. Contaminated water: Drinking pathogen-rich water; e.g., giardiasis.
3. Intermediate hosts: Parasite uses hosts like snails (schistosomes) or mosquitoes (malaria).
4. Direct invasion through skin: Pathogens enter via cuts; e.g., hookworm infections.

Question 5

What are some effects of adult worms in helminth infections? (3)

Answer 5

• Intestinal obstruction: Especially in heavy infections.
• Malabsorption: Nutrient absorption issues, leading to malnutrition.
• Biliary obstruction: Worms blocking bile ducts cause inflammation.

Question 6

What are the effects of migrating larvae in helminth infections? (2)

Answer 6

• Loeffler’s syndrome: Transient lung inflammation caused by migrating larvae, marked by eosinophilia.
• Liver and heart damage: Larvae migration can damage these organs in severe cases.

Question 7

What allergic reactions can helminth infections cause? (3)

Answer 7

• Itching
• Rashes
• Anaphylaxis (in severe cases)

Question 8

What diseases are caused by helminths? (3)

Answer 8

1. Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis): Mosquito-transmitted, causing severe swelling.
2. Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia): From contaminated water, leads to abdominal pain and blood in stool/urine.
3. Onchocerciasis (River Blindness): Black fly-transmitted, causes itching, skin lesions, and blindness.

Question 9

What strategies are used to control helminth infections? (5)

Answer 9

1. Vector control: Using insecticides or molluscicides to target vectors (e.g., mosquitoes/snails).
2. Improved sanitation: Access to clean water and proper waste management.
3. Health education: Teaching about prevention and early treatment.
4. Vaccination: Developing vaccines for certain helminth infections.
5. Chemotherapy: Administering anthelmintic drugs, often via mass drug administration (MDA).

Question 10

What are important considerations for selective toxicity in drug development? (3)

Answer 10

1. Life stage sensitivity: Drugs need to be safe for children and pregnant women.
2. Access to healthcare: Drugs should be affordable, easy to use, and require minimal monitoring.
3. Tissue invasion: Drugs must effectively reach and act on parasites in the specific tissue they invade.