Nematodes and Bioterrorism Flashcards
What are nematodes?
Roundworms
What are flukes?
flatworms/nonsegmented parasites
What are cestodes?
flat and segmented parasites
What is a parasite?
organism that obtains food and shelter from another organism and derives all benefits from this association
What is a definitive host?
harbors adult and sexual stage parasite
What is an intermediate host?
harbors larval/asexual stage parasite
What is a reservoir host?
harbors the parasite to ensure continuity
What is meant when you examine a stool sample for ova and parasite?
Examination of the stool for eggs, adult worms or larva; Direct examination; special stains used; don’t grow like a culture
What are eosinophils?
bone marrow-derived leukocytes; Eosinophilia develops when specific cytokines, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), (IL)-3, and IL-5 stimulate enhanced
What nematodes are transferred fecal-orally? From soil?
Oral-fecal: enterobias vermicularis (pinworm), trichuris trichuria, ascaris lumbricoides; soil-migration: N americanis/A duodenales, Strongyloides stercoralis
What is the epi of Enterobias vermicularis?
Pinworm is found worldwide, Temperate and colder climates, School Aged Children, High population density, Indoor conditions, Hand to mouth transmission
What is the life cycle of enterobias vermicularis?
Eggs are ingested, eggs hatch in small intestine, migrate to to colon, crawl out of anus and lay eggs on perianum, eggs contaminate fingers (when you scratch), autoinfect by egg ingestion
What is important about enterobias vermicularis eggs?
Mature/infective within 6 hours, Easily passed to family
members, Remain infective for several days (humid)
What is the scotch tape test?
put sticky paddle near anus 3 mornings in a row - see if we catch something! stool sample will be negative
What are the symptoms of enterobias vermicularis?
Perianal and perineal pruritis; Vulvovaginitis – worm migrates vagina; Association with UTI?; Granulomatous reaction – yellow nodule; Traveling through a perforated appendix; Psychological impact on parents; NOTE: Peripheral eosinophil count is normal, No association with thumb sucking
Can enterobias vermicularis cause appendicitis?
Can travel through appendix, but does not cause appendicitis
How is enterobias vermicularis diagnosed?
Scotch tape test, ova infrequently seen in stool; Dientameba fragilis can sometimes be seen in stool and is associated with pinworm, so check for pinworm if seen
How is enterobias vermicularis treated?
Albendazole - only works against adults, so retreat in 2 weeks
What is albendazole?
Binds to helminthic tubulin (blocks assembly into microtubules), B/c of tubulin binding it is contraindicated in pregnancy
How can enterobias vermicularis be prevented?
Personal cleanliness, Fingernails cut short, Children wear tight fitting pajamas, Bed clothes not shaken
What is trichuriasis?
“whipworm”, Most common helminthic infection
Where is trichuriasis found in US?
rural communities of South
How is trichuriasis spread?
Eggs are ingested hand to mouth; Warm,damp soil; Raw fruits and vegetables that have been fertilized with human feces; NOT person-to-person (eggs take about 2 weeks to become infective)
What are characteristics of trichuriasis infection?
Most are asymptomatic, usually low-intensity infections; trichuris seldom the only pathogen; Onset of significant symptoms is slow; Disease typically occurs in the developing child, seldom causing disability in adults; Multiple infections may occur (protective immunity incomplete)
What is the lifecycle of trichuriasis?
Eggs ingested, larvae invade intestinal mucosa, molt and mature over 3 mo, whiplike adult worms live in cecum and colon, eggs appear after 2-3 months in stool
What are the symptoms of trichuriasis?
Most are asymptomatic, but can cause: Rectal prolapse (due to massive number of worms, straining), anemia due to blood loss and anorexia, clubbing (seen in poorly nourished children), Trichurias Dysentery Syndrome (dysentery plus other symptoms; due to elevated TNFa and low pro-collagen), elevation of proteins, growth failure
How is trichuriasis diagnosed?
Stool for ova and parasites; eggs are thick walled, barrel shaped, and have a plug at each pole
How is trichuriasis treated?
Albendazole
How can trichuriasis be prevented?
Satisfactory fecal disposal, Handwashing, Washing vegetables grown in fecally- contaminated soil, Mass repetitive therapy directed towards school-aged children
What is the epi of Ascaris lumbricoides?
Children are infected more frequently (Increased soil contact from play and poorer hygiene; Protective immunity may be weaker in children), Demonstrated in familial clusters, Children highest intensity of infection
What are symptoms of Ascaris?
Acute infections – usually in children: bronchospasm, urticaria, pneumonia; Immune Mediated Hypersensitivity; Löeffler’s syndrome (Transient pulmonary infiltrates, Dyspnea – severe cough, Eosinophilia); GI (discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea); growth, developmental retardation
What is the Ascaris life cycle?
Eggs are ingested, larvae hatch in small intestine, migrate to heart and lungs, break out into alveolar spaces, migrate up trachea, are swallowed, mature in small intestines, cause pathology or pass out in feces
What are potential complications of Ascaris?
Intestinal obstruction (children), Peritonitis, Biliary and pancreatic obstruction
How is Ascaris diagnosed?
Stool for ova and parasites; Eggs measure 60 to 70 um – outside of the egg is coated with a sticky layer of mucopolysaccharide, which facilitates adherence to fruit,
vegetables, fingers, doorknobs
How is Ascaris treated?
Albendazole, occasionally surgery
Where are hookworms found?
Endemic tropics and subtropics, Adequate moisture and sandy soils
What is the hookworm lifecycle?
Larvae hatch in soil, penetrate the skin, migrate to heart and lungs, migrate to trachea and are swallowed, mature in small intestine, cause pathology or are passed in feces
What are clinical manifestations of hookworm?
Larvae penetrating the skin (Cutaneous Larva Migrans); Larvae penetrating the lungs (Cough and wheezing, Infiltrates may occur, Löeffler’s syndrome); GI manifestations (Epigastric pain, flatulence); Anemia (HALLMARK, blood “sucked” by worm); Hypoalbuminemia/anemia; initially high eosinophilia, later decreases
Why does hookworm cause anemia?
Upper small intestine “suck” blood (Secrete polypeptides prevent blood clotting, blood loss, Setting of marginal iron intake)
What are complications of hookworm?
Profound adverse effects on cognitive testing in childhood secondary to irondeficiency anemia; A major health threat to women of reproductive age with adverse effects on outcome of pregnancy; Severe iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy has been linked to increased maternal mortality, impaired lactation, and prematurity and low
birth weight.
How is hookworm prevented?
Wear shoes!
How is hookworm diagnosed?
Obtain Stool for Ova and Parasites
How is hookworm treated?
Albendazole