Nematodes and zoonotic nematodes Flashcards
Why would humans get infected with zoonotic nematodes?
Often we are accidental hosts.
Some can develop fully in humans whereas some arrest development.
How many trichonella species infect humans?
7 spp. E.g. trichonella spiralis
What is the distribution of trichonella spiralis and why is it a problem? What is it a disease of?
From the arctic to the tropics, is Mr Worldwide.
Is a major economic problem in porcine animal production.
Is a disease of meat eaters! Infects carnivorous and omnivorous animal tissue.
Describe the infection cycle of trichonella spiralis.
Is ingested –> emerges in the duodenum –> burrows into the intestinal mucosa where they mate –> the females then give birth to L1 larvae –> L1 penetrate through intestinal wall –> enter into blood and lymphatic circulation -> invade muscle cells and transform into a nurse cell (produce a nest inside of which is a coiled intracellular L1 with surrounding collagen).
Describe the infection cycle of trichonella spiralis.
Is ingested –> emerges in the duodenum –> burrows into the intestinal mucosa –>
What is the domestic cycle for t spiralis? What is the main source of human infection?
domestic cycle in rats and pigs. Pigs are the main source of human infection (eating pork).
What is the domestic cycle for t spiralis? What is the main source of human infection?
domestic cycle in rats and pigs. Pigs are the main source of human infection.
How long do larvae remain infective for within decaying meat?
Months!
What is something interesting to note about the temporal epidemiology of t spiralis cases?
Often cases are clustered and are associated with a particular feast or festival where large numbers of people would be eating infected pork.
How can horses also be a source of infection for t spiralis?
If infected rats get ground up in horse fodder and fed to the horses.
What is the arctic cycle of t spiralis and who does this present a problem for?
Arctic cycle in polar bears, arctic foxes and walruses. This is a problem for Inuits who eat raw meat which may be contaminated.
(There was a 50% prevalence in Alaskan Inuits in the 80s).
What animals are involved in the African cycle of t spiralis?
Bush pigs, warthogs and lions etc.
What determines the severity of infection with t spiralis?
The number of infective larvae strongly correlates with the infection severity, and produces a spectrum of pathology.
What is the host response as T spiralis larvae migrate out to muscle tissue?
An acute inflammatory response is produced. Swelling of the tongue and eyelids is often seen.
What are the symptoms often associated with a heavy infection of T spiralis?
Myocarditis, pneumonitis, diarrhoea.
If the larvae migrate through the CNS, neurotrichonellosis can occur as well as sublingual bleeding, rashes and fatality.
What is the chronic stage of T spiralis?
The cyst formation stage in tissues.
How would we diagnose T spiralis?
Look at the dietary history (e.g. could be linked with community epidemics), use serology or a biopsy.
How do we treat t spiralis? When should treatment be administered?
Early treatment is essential as it is hard to treat once encystment in muscles occurs. Treat with antihelminthics within the first few weeks, if not use long term corticosteroids for control if this window is missed.
-Albendazole or mebendazole
How do we control trichonella spiralis?
- Cook food above 55 degrees or freeze below -fifteen degrees for 20 days (species dependent).
- Meat inspection in abattoirs
- Don’t feed pork to pigs.
Where are the majority of cases of capillaria phillipinensis?
China, Phillipines, Thailand.
What is the main definitive host for capillaria philipinensis?
Marine birds.
What is the transmission cycle between the definitive host and humans for C philipinensis?
Eggs from marine birds are eaten by fish and human acquire infection by eating raw or undercooked fish.
Describe the pathogenesis produced by C phillipinensis.
Adults reside in the mucosa and produce a severe inflammatory response.
This parasite can cause internal autoinfection which can lead to a huge parasitic burden.
Malabsorption and protein loss are part of the pathogenesis.
How do we diagnose c philipinensis?
Look in the stool for eggs. They look similar to trichirus but are smaller and not as lemon shaped.