Unit 4 section 2. Chapter 5.2: Helminths

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary organism responsible for elephantiasis?

Schistosoma species

Ivermectin

Cercariae

Wuchereria bancrofti (correct)

What symptom is commonly associated with schistosomiasis?

Swelling of limbs

Fever (correct)

Abdominal swelling

Skin ulceration

Which treatment is effective for schistosomiasis?

Praziquantel (correct)

Ivermectin

Mebendazole

Diethylcarbamazine

How is elephantiasis primarily transmitted?

Mosquito bite Signup and view all the answers

What type of infections does mebendazole primarily treat?

Roundworm infections Signup and view all the answers

In which geographical areas is schistosomiasis most commonly found?

Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and South America Signup and view all the answers

What type of agent is avermectin considered to be?

Nematode treatment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about lymphatic filariasis is false?

Cercariae are responsible for its transmission. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary symptom of elephantiasis?

Swelling of limbs Signup and view all the answers

Which antihelminthic agent is specifically used for treating filarial infections?

Ivermectin Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes Cestoda from Trematoda?

Cestoda have a segmented body structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symtom associated with Pinworm Disease?

Itchy anus. Signup and view all the answers

How is Trichinellosis primarily transmitted?

Eating undercooked pork or wild game. Signup and view all the answers

What is the larval stage called in the nematode life cycle that can infect the host's body?

Filariform. Signup and view all the answers

What does the scolex of a tapeworm primarily function as?

For attachment to the host’s intestine. Signup and view all the answers

Which organism is responsible for Ascariasis?

Ascaris lumbricoides. Signup and view all the answers

In which geographical area is Necatoriasis most commonly found?

Subtropical and tropical areas. Signup and view all the answers

What structure is involved in the transmission of disease in Trematoda?

Cercaria. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment for hookworm infection?

Albendazole. Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the digestive system of flatworms in general?

They lack any form of digestive system. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Helminths: Parasitic Worms

Helminths are parasitic worms living in a host, often causing disease.
Two main classes: roundworms (nematodes) and flatworms (platyhelminthes).

Roundworms (Nematodes)

Cylindrical, unsegmented worms.
Possess a complete digestive system.

Flatworms (Platyhelminthes)

Flat, soft-bodied worms.
Often segmented.
Lack a digestive system; absorb nutrients through their skin.
Two subclasses: trematodes (flukes) and cestodes (tapeworms).

Trematodes (Flukes)

Flattened, leaf-shaped.
Nonsegmented.
Have a mouth and suckers for attachment.
Common transmission method: walking in infected water.
Cause diseases like Schistosomiasis.

Cestodes (Tapeworms)

Long, segmented bodies.
Segmented.
Lack a mouth; absorb nutrients through their body surface.
Common transmission method: consuming undercooked meat.
Cause diseases like tapeworm infection.

Cestode Structures

Proglottids: Segments containing reproductive organs.
Scolex: The head, equipped with suckers/hooks for attachment to the host's intestine.

Trematode Life Cycle

Miracidium: Free-swimming larva that infects the first host (snail).
Cercaria: Develops in the snail and infects the human host.

Nematode Life Cycle

Rhabditiform: Larval stage in the host's digestive system.
Filariform: Infective larval stage that penetrates the host's body.

Helminth Diseases

Pinworm Disease (Enterobius vermicularis):
- Transmission: Ingesting pinworm eggs from contaminated surfaces.
- Symptoms: Itchy anus, irritability in children.
- Treatment: Mebendazole, albendazole.
Trichinellosis (Trichinella spiralis):
- Transmission: Eating undercooked pork or wild game.
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain, muscle pain, fever.
- Treatment: Mebendazole, albendazole.
Ascariasis (Ascaris lumbricoides):
- Transmission: Ingesting contaminated soil or food.
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain, coughing, malnutrition.
- Treatment: Mebendazole, albendazole.
Necatoriasis/Hookworm (Necator americanus):
- Transmission: Skin contact with contaminated soil.
- Symptoms: Itchy rash, abdominal pain, anemia.
- Treatment: Mebendazole, albendazole.
Elephantiasis (Lymphatic Filariasis, Wuchereria bancrofti):
- Transmission: Mosquito bite.
- Symptoms: Swelling of limbs, genital organs.
- Treatment: Ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine.
Schistosomiasis (Schistosoma species):
- Transmission: Contact with contaminated water (cercariae penetrate skin).
- Symptoms: Fever, abdominal pain, blood in urine/stool.
- Treatment: Praziquantel.

Antihelminth Agents

Praziquantel: Treats trematode and cestode infections.
Mebendazole: Treats roundworm infections (e.g., pinworms, hookworms).
Avermectin: Used for nematode infections & ectoparasites.
Ivermectin: Treats filarial infections (e.g., elephantiasis) & other nematode infections.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of helminths, the parasitic worms that can cause various diseases in their hosts. This quiz covers the two main classes of helminths: roundworms (nematodes) and flatworms (platyhelminthes), along with their structures and transmission methods. Test your knowledge on these vital organisms!