Questions and Answers
What is the taxonomic classification of Ascaris lumbricoides?
What is the size of an adult Ascaris lumbricoides worm?
up to 35 cm
What is the process of ascariasis?
Eggs are ingested, mature into larvae in the intestine, penetrate duodenal wall, migrate to lungs, coughed up and swallowed into the intestine, and grow into adult worms.
Ascaris lumbricoides can be asymptomatic.
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What are possible symptoms of ascariasis?
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The transmission of Ascaris lumbricoides occurs via the ______.
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What is the common treatment for ascariasis?
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What diagnostic method is used for detecting Ascaris lumbricoides?
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What are the species in the genus Toxocara?
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What is the pathology associated with Toxocara?
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What is the main reservoir for Toxocara?
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Study Notes
Ascaris Lumbricoides
- Classification: Nematode/roundworm, genus Ascaris.
- Size: Adult worms can grow up to 35 cm in length.
- Disease: Ascariasis is the condition caused by infection.
Pathogenesis and Symptoms
- Infection process:
- Eggs are ingested, maturing into larvae in the intestine.
- Larvae penetrate the duodenal wall, migrating to the lungs.
- In the lungs, larvae develop and reach alveoli, are coughed up, and swallowed back into the intestine to mature into adults.
- Symptoms may include:
- Asymptomatic cases are common.
- Abdominal cramping.
- Dry cough and fever during larval migration in the lungs.
- Malnutrition.
- Risk of intestinal or biliary obstruction.
Epidemiology
- Transmission occurs through the fecal-oral route via egg ingestion.
- Ascaris lumbricoides is the most prevalent helminth globally.
Treatment Options
- Medications: Albendazole or mebendazole paralyze worms, allowing them to be expelled with feces.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary for ectopic migrations.
- Supportive care is provided during episodes of pneumonitis.
Laboratory Diagnostics
- Fecal examination can identify eggs.
- Sputum tests may reveal larvae.
- Eosinophilia, an increase in eosinophils, can be observed.
Genus Toxocara
- Species include:
- Toxocara canis (from dogs).
- Toxocara cati (from cats).
Taxonomic Structure
- Classification: Also a nematode/roundworm, specifically a tissue parasite.
- Human infection does not result in the maturation of larvae into adult worms.
Pathogenicity and Symptoms
- Condition: Toxocariasis, also known as visceral larvae migrans.
- Symptoms include:
- Fever.
- Diarrhea.
- Wheezing.
- Eosinophilia.
- Hepatitis.
- Possible blindness due to larval migration.
- Larvae migrate erratically through the body, causing inflammation until they die.
Epidemiology
- Reservoir: Domestic animals, particularly cats and dogs.
- Transmission is through the ingestion of eggs found in feces.
Treatment Options
- Same medications as for Ascaris lumbricoides: Albendazole or mebendazole.
Laboratory Diagnostics
- Diagnostic methods include serology and clinical findings indicating infection.
- Eosinophilia is also noted in Toxocara infections.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Ascaris lumbricoides' taxonomy, morphology, and pathogenesis with these flashcards. Explore the structure, symptoms, and prognosis of this notable nematode. Perfect for students of parasitology and medical biology.
