Constructivist-Based Module 1

Lesson 5
HELMINTHS
Take the challenge!

In this lesson, you are expected to attain the following lesson objectives:
a. identify the distinguishing characteristics of parasitic helminths; and
b. classify the parasitic helminths as to their phylum, classes, form, the function of
every representative, disease and prevention, and their definitive host.

Introduction

Hi, how are you? Parasitic organisms are not only limited to members of the microscopic
world. Some parasites are observable and can be seen by the naked eye. A number of
these parasitic species are animals that spend a part or all of their lives in the bodies of
their host such as humans. These parasitic animals belong to the following phylum
Platyhelminthes and Nematoda. Are you ready now? Let us start.

Activity

Watch the short video about Schistosomiasis. The video can be accessed using the
Url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wQbpgAdIMs

Analysis

Based on the viewed video, use the gathered information to accomplish the following
tasks below.

1. Complete the idea map on the designated box.

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What are the

charactetistics of the
parasitic helminth?

2. Describe a specific phylum of parasitic helminth using the Frayer Diagram Model
below.

Common Representatives
Characteristics
General

Phylum
________________
Hosts

Diseases caused
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Challenging the student’s ideas

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Generally, helminths are multicellular eukaryotic organisms. These

animals possess various life systems such as digestive, circulatory,
nervous, excretory, and reproductive systems. However, parasitic
species of helminths are highly specialized compared to their free-living
counterparts.

PARASITIC HELMINTH CHARACTERISTICS:

1. They may lack a digestive system.

The nutrients that they need to live are available from
the host’s food, body fluids, and tissues.

2. Their nervous system is reduced.

Since the nutrients and other substances are
available from the host, and the environment of the
host is fairly constant, an extensive nervous system is
no longer needed.

3. Their means of locomotion are occasionally reduced

or completely lacking.
Parasitic helminths do not search habitable places for
they are transferred from one host to another.

4. Their reproductive system is often complex.

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Parasitic helminths produce large numbers of eggs,

by
which a suitable host is infected.

LIFE CYCLE
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Figure 2.13. (32)

The life cycle of parasitic helminths is
quite complex. However, there are few
important things to note. These are:
1. Succession of intermediate hosts is
involved to complete each larval stage of
the parasite

2. Parasitic helminths can be dioecious (one

reproductive organ in one body) or
monoecious (two reproductive organs in
one body, or hermaphroditic).
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MEDICALLY IMPORTANT PARASITIC HELMINTHS

PHYLUM PLATYHELMINTHES (THE FLATWORMS)
GENERAL CHARACTERISTIC/S

Dorsoventrally flattened
Are causative agents of developmental disturbances in a wide variety of animals

CLASS/ES COMMON DESCRIPTION/S

REPRESENTATIVE/S

Trematodes (Flukes) 1. Clonorchis sinensis Also known as Asian Liver

Fluke.
Flat, leaf-shaped bodies. Occasionally seen in
With a ventral sucker and an immigrants in the United
oral sucker. States.
They obtain food by sucking it
through their non-living outer 2. Paragonimus spp. Occur throughout all parts
covering cuticle. of the globe.
Are given names according to A particular species of this
the tissue of the definitive host class (known as P.
in which adults live. kellicotti), can be
associated with eating raw
crayfish on river raft trips.

3. Schistosoma The causative agent of

Schistosomiasis.
This parasitic fluke borrows
through the skin of the
human hosts and enters
the circulatory system.
The adults are commonly
found in certain abdominal
and pelvic veins.

Cestodes (Tapeworms) 1. Taenia saginata Also known as the beef

tapeworm
These organisms commonly Can also be a human
inhabit the intestines, hence intestinal parasite and can
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the name intestinal parasites. reach a length of six

Its head has suckers for
attaching to the intestinal
mucosa of the definitive host.
Other species possess small
hooks for attachment.
They lack a digestive system
and do not ingest food
particles.
To obtain nutrients, they
absorb food through the
cuticle.
2. Taenia solium
meters.
Can be found in the feces
of an infected human.
From there, the mature
proglottids with thousands
of eggs wriggle away.
Can be transferred to a
grazing animal if it ingests
the wriggling proglottids.
Also known as the pork
tapeworm.
Humans are its only known
definitive host.
Its eggs can be found in
the fecal material of an
infected individual.

3. Echinococcus Its intermediate host is

granulosus humans.
Its definitive host includes
dogs and coyotes.

PHYLUM NEMATODA (THE ROUNDWORMS)

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

These roundworms are cylindrical and tapered at each end.

They have a complete digestive system comprised of a mouth, an intestine, and an anus.
Most species are dioecious with males being smaller than females.
These organisms have free-living counterparts.

COMMON REPRESENTATIVE/S DESCRIPTION/S

1. Ancylostoma duodenale Also known as the human hookworm.

It is the most common parasitic infection in countries
with poor access to adequate water, sanitation, and
hygiene.
It is transmitted through contact with contaminated soil.
This parasite can be harbored inside the human body
from domesticated animals.

2. Anisakines Possess a complex life cycle that would involve certain

hosts such as fishes, crustaceans, and other marine
mammals.
When an infective host is consumed by an individual,
this parasite is anisakiasis.

3. Ascaris lumbricoides Also known by its common name roundworms.

This parasite is the causative agent of Ascariasis.
The female adult can grow up to 20 cm to 30 cm in
length, and adult males up to 15 cm to 20 cm.
This parasite is available in different colors such as pink,
yellow, and white.

4. Baylisascaris procyonis
5. Enterobius vermicularis
6. Necator americanus
7. Strongyloides stercoralis
8. Trichinella spiralis
9. Trichuris trichiura
10. Toxocara canis and T. cati
Application
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The average life of the matured parasite is one year,
after which it dies, and it is spontaneously removed as it
evacuates through the digestive tract. This is the reason
why a spontaneous cure of an illness can occur if there
is no reinfection. Adult worms do not multiply in the
human host.
Also known as the raccoon roundworm.
It is the causative agent of a rare but serious neurologic
and ocular disease in humans.
Only larval stages are involved in zoonotic infections.
Also known as Pinworm.
It is the causative agent of Enterobiasis (or Pinworm
Infection), one of the most common nematode infections
in the world.
Transmission occurs in people who are living in
crowded environments and usually occurs within
families though this infection usually occurs in children.
The worms are tiny, thread-like, and whitish.
The worm is named after the characteristic pin-like tail
present on the posterior part of female worms
It is the major cause of hookworm infections worldwide.
It is a parasite that is transmitted by soil and can cause
severe disease in immunocompromised individuals.
It is the causative agent of Trichinellosis also results
from consuming undercooked or raw meat (usually
pork).
Although, other mammals like wild carnivores and
horses can be reservoirs of infection. It can cause
symptoms varying from generalized fever, abdominal
pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, myalgia to more
severe like myocarditis and encephalitis.
It is known as the human whipworm that causes
Trichuriasis in humans.
It is referred to as the whipworm because it looks like a
whip with wide handles at the posterior end.
Children appear to be vulnerable to the parasite and
poor sanitation is associated with a heavy disease
burden.
Their definite hosts include cats, dogs, foxes, coyotes,
and wolves.
These parasites are known to cause human
toxocariasis. Severe complications are blindness or
meningoencephalitis.
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Instruction: Have at least five members in your group. Please read and comprehend
the context and the task itself, and work cooperatively with your other group mates.

Context:
Your group is tasked by the Department of Health to spearhead a deworming activity in
far-reaching barangays.

Task :
Create a graphic material that would promote ways how to prevent helminthic infections.
Afterward, record a five-minute video presentation about the graphic material. Assume
that your audience has no background in helminthic infections and deworming activity.
You are suggested to use the information you have learned in your professional
education subjects in describing and discussing the subject matter with your audience.

Assessment Tasks

Instruction: Read and comprehend the question. Carefully think and construct your
thoughts before putting them into writing.

A. Modified True or False: Write True if the statement is correct. However, if a

statement is false, underline the incorrect term/s, and
write the correct one.

1. Taenia saginata belongs to Trematodes.

2. Helminths are eukaryotic organisms because they possess a reproductive system.
3. Pinworms can be the causative agent of Trichinellosis.
4. Consuming undercooked or raw meat (usually pork) infected with Trichinella spiralis
can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and generalized fever.

B. Create a Venn diagram to classify the parasitic helminths as to their phylum, classes,
form, and function of every representative, disease and prevention, and their
definitive host.
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_______________________________________________________________________
Congratulations! You just finished Lesson 5 of this Module 2! Should you have any
queries regarding this topic, please feel free to reach out to your instructor.
Are you ready to take your next lesson? Module 3 will deal with microbial growth.
Enjoy your lesson.
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