Activity 8

Nematodes
(Worksheet)
Name: Kristine Mae M. Merhan Date: May 23, 2022
Course/Year/Section: BSN-1B

Table 1. Observed nematodes under the virtual microscope

Guide Questions:

1. Differentiate fertilized, unfertilized and embryonated Ascaris eggs. What is decorticated egg? Is
decorticated egg found in fertilized, unfertilized and embryonated egg?

Fertilized pertains to the egg cells of Ascaris lumbricoides that have undergone fertilization, they are
round in shape, shell is thick, and it contains undeveloped unicellular embryo. Unfertilized, on the
other hand, pertains to the egg cells that have not undergone fertilization, they are elongated shape,
shell is thin, and it is unembryonated and contains an amorphous mass of protoplasm. Embryonated
eggs are reffered as the infective from/stage and they are fertilized, but the inside structure contains
the larva of the embryo. Eggs lacking an outer mammillated albuminous coating are reffered as
 decorticated eggs. Fertilized, unfertilized, and embryonated eggs can be corticated and decorticated.

2. Is negative stool examination always indicative of the absence of infection? Explain.

A negative result does not always imply the absence of the infection; hence, it is essential to verify
stool samples repeatedly to ensure a correct diagnosis. Because of the time required for the worm's
migration and maturity, stool testing for eggs may be negative for up to 40 days after infection.

3. Explain why a single Ascaris adult infection can cause serious or fatal consequences.

A single Ascaris adult infection can cause serious or fatal consequences because they can survive 1-
2 years in the human host during which time each female worm produces about 200,000 eggs per
day. This can lead to heavy ascariasis infestation, and when this happens a mass of worms can
block a portion of your intestine. This can cause severe abdominal cramping and vomiting. The
blockage can even make a hole in the intestinal wall or appendix, causing internal bleeding
(hemorrhage) or appendicitis. The most commonly known serious and lethal complication of A.
lumbricoides infection is intestinal obstruction, caused by an aggregated mass of A. lumbricoides
worms, which may develop acutely or subacutely.

4. Why does Enterobius vermicularis called as familial parasite?

Enterobius vermicularis is also known as pinworms or society worms since it is a highly transmittable
parasite. Autoinfection and reinfection among close relatives are normal. It is one of the most
common helminth infections globally, with children accounting for the vast majority of cases. It is also
called as the "society worm", the mode of transmission is due to close interaction through inhalation
of enterobius larvae, which makes it more transmissible than other nematodes hence that’s why it is
referred as a familial parasite

5. Can you differentiate Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale thru microscopy? Why or why
not?
The eggs of Ancylostoma and Necator cannot be differentiated microscopically, however, field and
laboratory experiments have shown that N. americanus is smaller than A. duodenale and produces
fewer but larger eggs.  The eggs are thin-shelled, colorless and measure 60-75 µm by 35-40 µm.
For their adult form, on microscopy, N. americanus can be differentiated from a duodenale on the
basis of the cutting plates that it possesses in place of teeth.