Ancylostoma duodenale: Morphology, life cycle

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Questions and Answers

Given the lifecycle of Ancylostoma duodenale, and assuming a disruption in lymphatic drainage post-cutaneous penetration, which of the following accurately predicts the most immediate consequence?

Increased reliance on hematogenous spread, resulting in a higher proportion of larvae reaching systemic circulation and potentially aberrant locations. (correct)
Accelerated maturation of rhabditiform larvae within the subcutaneous tissues due to impeded immune response.
Inhibition of larval migration due to the absence of lymphatic vessels, leading to localized cutaneous infection exacerbation.
Prolonged residence of filariform larvae in the pulmonary capillaries, increasing the risk of alveolar hemorrhage.

In a scenario where a patient presents with severe iron-deficiency anemia but consistently tests negative for Ancylostoma duodenale eggs in fecal samples via standard microscopy, which of the following represents the MOST plausible explanation, assuming no other parasitic infections are present?

The infection involves exclusively male worms, thereby precluding the production of eggs and rendering fecal egg counts unreliable.
The patient's unique metabolic composition rapidly degrades the eggs in the fecal matter, resulting in false-negative results during laboratory analysis.
The worm burden is exceedingly low, with egg production falling below the detection threshold of standard microscopic techniques, necessitating more sensitive diagnostic assays. (correct)
The patient exhibits an unusually robust immune response, preventing the establishment of a patent infection and subsequent egg production.

If a novel drug targeting the copulatory bursa of male Ancylostoma duodenale worms is developed, what primary effect would this drug need to demonstrate in vivo to be considered efficacious?

Decreased motility of filariform larvae, hindering their ability to penetrate the host's skin.
Increased fragmentation of the chitinized buccal capsule in both male and female worms, leading to digestive dysfunction.
Significant reduction in the average size of adult female worms, reflecting impaired nutrient uptake.
A substantial decline in the number of eggs present in fecal samples, indicating compromised reproductive capacity. (correct)

Considering the life cycle and transmission dynamics of Ancylostoma duodenale, which of the following interventions would MOST effectively disrupt its transmission in a community with consistently poor sanitation and hygiene practices, but limited resources?

Implementation of subsidized footwear programs combined with targeted health education on proper sanitation and hygiene. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Assuming a genomic mutation alters the metabolism of rhabditiform larvae of Ancylostoma duodenale, increasing their susceptibility to desiccation, how would this MOST likely manifest at the population level?

Decreased transmission rates in regions with well-drained sandy soils, despite favorable temperatures. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a novel strain of Ancylostoma duodenale emerges with increased resistance to benzimidazole anthelmintics due to a mutation affecting tubulin polymerization, which supplementary diagnostic method would provide the EARLIEST indication of treatment failure in a clinical setting?

PCR-based detection of the mutated tubulin gene in pre- and post-treatment fecal samples to confirm resistance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the known migration pathway of Ancylostoma duodenale larvae within the human host, which immunological response is MOST critical for preventing the establishment of adult worms in the small intestine following pulmonary transit?

Eosinophil-mediated antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in the small intestine, targeting larvae that have successfully reached the intestinal lumen. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a population displays genetic polymorphisms affecting the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in skin fibroblasts, what is the MOST likely consequence regarding susceptibility to Ancylostoma duodenale infection?

Individuals with lower MMP expression will exhibit decreased larval penetration due to enhanced dermal barrier integrity. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Given the metabolic requirements of Ancylostoma duodenale, how would a host's pre-existing deficiency in copper impact the parasite's lifecycle within the host?

Impaired development of the copulatory bursa in male worms due to the role of copper in metalloenzyme function. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In a scenario where climate change leads to increased soil temperatures in a traditionally endemic region for Ancylostoma duodenale, what is the MOST likely outcome regarding the parasite's epidemiology?

An increased prevalence of human infections due to accelerated larval development and increased infectivity in the soil. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ancylostoma duodenale

A parasitic worm living in the small intestine of humans.

Morphological features

Size, shape, and reproductive characteristics of Ancylostoma duodenale.