Test one/ Baylisadcaris, anisakis, nematomorpha

Question 1

Describe the life cycle of anisakis simplex

Answer 1

An infected marine mammal poos out the eggs which hatch on the sea floor. A bottom dwelling crustacean eats the worms and gets infected. A fish eats the crustacean and in turn is infected. The parasite burrows into the wall of the gut and encystsm usually on the outside of the visceral organs, under the skin, or in the muscle. The life cycle is completed when the fish is eaten by a marine mammal. Humans can get infected as our digestive tract is similar to that of a marine mammal.

Question 2

What types of fish is anisakis found in?

Answer 2

only in wild fish. Depending on the population it can be as much as 100% of the fish

Question 3

Where is anisakis found in the fishes body?

Answer 3

it burrows through the intestinal wall. can be found in the muscle, attached to visceral organs, or just under the skin.

Question 4

Where are adult gordian worms found?

Answer 4

Free living in water

Question 5

What is the gordian worms specific name?

Answer 5

Nematomorph

Question 6

What is the gordian worms life cycle?

Answer 6

Eggs are layed in a water source such as a pond. The larva hatch and are eaten by a water insect or snail where they encyst in their body. This insect or snail is eaten by a grasshopper or cricket where it develops into an adult. The worm causes the cricket to jump into water so the worm can swim out and complete the cycle.

Question 7

How long can gordian worms get?

Answer 7

1 cm to 1 m

Question 8

Where in the world can they be found?

Answer 8

Tropics to tundra

Question 9

Describe the life cycle of Baylisascaris procyonis

Answer 9

Usually lives in raccoons. Infected raccoons poo out eggs which take 2-4 weeks to embryonate and become infective. these eggs in turn can be eaten and infect a new host. People, rabbits, dogs, and other animals can be infected.

Question 10

Where does Baylisascaris procyonis live in the raccoons body?

Answer 10

small intestine

Question 11

What disease does B. procyonis cause in humans?

Answer 11

Visceral larval migrans and ocular larval migrans

Question 12

How long can eggs survive in the soil?

Answer 12

several years if they stay moist.

Question 13

Does B procyonis cause harm to raccoons?

Answer 13

no

Question 14

What are the top body systems affected by B. procyonis?

Answer 14

Brain, liver, and eyes

Question 15

What is the incubation period for B. procyonis?

Answer 15

1-4 weeks

Question 16

Describe ocular, visceral, and neural larval migrans.

Answer 16

Ocular larval migrans cause cause blindness and loss of coordination.
Visceral causes a rash, abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, pneumonia, and loss of muscle control.
Neural causes seizures, altered mental status, lack of attention to people and surroundings, coma