The Life Cycle of Moniliformis moniliformis Quiz

Moniliformis moniliformis is the causal agent of Acanthocephaliasis, a parasitic infection that has a life cycle involving 2 hosts, with eggs shed in feces; fully formed acanthor is eaten by insect (beetle cockroaches) and develops into acanthella and then cystacanth (infective stage) through molting. The definitive host, which can include swine, rats, pigs, and humans, ingests the infected insect. The parasite attaches to the epithelium of the small intestine and takes 8-12 weeks to mature. It does not mature fully in humans due to the immune system, causing uncommon cases in humans and more commonly affecting other hosts, especially children. The infection can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and anorexia. It is likely a generalist parasite, and its infection range is unknown. It can commonly co-infect with giardia and lead to fatal development. Control involves managing intermediate arthropods. Dogs and cats may potentially be definitive hosts, so educating the population is important. Treatment includes anti-helminthic drugs like pyrantel pamoate, and diagnosis is based on the presence of adult worms observed during colonoscopy.