Question | Answer |
What are the characteristics of organisms found in the Phylum Nematoda? | Roundworms; Unsegmented worms; Smooth bodies; Very small |
How do people get infected with Ascaris lumbricoides? | Contact with feces infected with ova |
The worm causes varied symptoms, depending on the life cycle of the worm. What are some of the symptoms associated with Ascaris lumbricoides? | Transient hepatitis, abdominal pain, intestinal blockage, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, pneumonitis, coughing spasms, allergic symptoms, and asthmatic breathing |
What corresponding genus of roundworm is associated with infection in dogs and cats? | Toxocara |
Can people get infected with the dog and cat roundworm? | yes |
What is the common name of Necator americanus? | hookworm |
How do we usually get infected with Necator americanus? | Larvae penetrate intact skin of a bare foot when contact is made with infected soil; Larvae enter circulation, heart and lungs; Coughed up and swallowed for final residence |
What symptoms are associated with Necator infection? | Blood loss, severe anemia, lethargy, mental/physical retardation |
How can we prevent infection with Necator americanus? | Proper sanitation and education about the importance of wearing shoes to prevent infection |
How does Necator americanus attach and cause damage to the intestinal mucosa? | scolex with hooks |
What is the scientific name of the “pinworm”? | Enterobius vermicularis |
Is the pinworm dangerous? | Yes; Common in temperate regions with high level of sanitation; Eggs can survive for some weeks outside of body |
What symptoms might be noticed in people who are infected with the pinworm? What is the cause of these symptoms? | Pruritus ani symptoms; Insomnia and restlessness
the worms migrate from the anus during resting hours |
How do we diagnose infection by the pinworm? | Recovery of eggs from the perianal region; Graham’s Scotch Tape Method |
What is the genus name of the organism we call the “whipworm”? | Trichuris trichiura |
Why is it called a whipworm? | It is long and thin with a thickened posterior end that is rounded, resembling the hand of a whip |
How do man and animals get infected with the whipworm? | Ingesting infected feces |
What is the genus name of the dog and cat heartworm? | Dirofilaria |
Can man become infected with heartworms from interaction with their dog or cat? | Rarely, but when they do, infection usually develops in the lungs and sometimes in the eye |
How do people get infected with Trichenella spiralis? | Consuming uncooked/undercooked, infected pork and/or bear |
What is the most common source of infection of Trichenella spiralis in the United States? | Ingestion of ground beef as hamburger or steak tartare when it is diluted with its cheaper competitor, pork |
What are some of the symptoms associated with Trichenella infection? | Myocarditis, encephalitis, pneumonitis |
How can you prevent infection with Trichenella spiralis? | Thoroughly cook pork and bear meat, prolonged freezing of meat |
What is the genus and species name of the “guinea worm”? | Dracunculus medinensis |
How do people get infected with Dracunculus medinensis? | By drinking water containing fleas that are infected with the larvae of the parasite |
How big is Dracunculus medinensis? | About 36 inches long |
How long does it take Dracunculus medinensis to leave the body? | Many weeks to three months |
Through efforts of Jimmy Carter and others, the guinea worm has nearly been eradicated from the earth. How have they been able to prevent infection with this worm? | Education about the life cycle of the parasite, sterile medical supplies, and filters that can used to filter drinking water |