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The Roundworms
Introduction:
Nematodes comprise the group of organisms containing the
largest number of helminth parasites of humans. They are
unsegmented, bilaterally symmetrical, and exhibit great
variation in their life cycles. Generally, they are long-lived (1-
30+ years).
Both free-living and parasitic forms - some can have both
free-living and parasitic stages in their life cycle.
Vary greatly in size - from a few millimeters to over a meter.
Terminology:
rd
Filariform larvae - the 3 or infective stage; Long,
nematode.
The second most common
Life cycle:
Eggs shed in soil hatch within 48 hours,
Female Male
becoming rhabditiform larvae (1st & 2nd stages).
After ~ 7 days, worms stop feeding and molt,
transforming from the rhabditiform larvae to
infective filariform larvae.
Infections are acquired when the filariform larvae
penetrates the skin of a human.
Hookworm egg
Class Nematoda -
The Roundworms
Life cycle: (continued)
Larvae enter the lymphatic system or
bloodstream, and travel to the lungs. After
maturating in the lungs, they migrate up the
trachea to be swallowed and reach the small
intestine, where they mature to adults.
Immature adults attach to the intestinal mucosa
Hookworm rhabditiform larva by means of their stout mouth parts and suck
blood and tissue juices of the host.
About five weeks after infection, the worms have
undergone a final molt to become sexually
mature adults. Fertilization occurs, and the
females begin to release eggs. Worm life span is
about 1 year.
Hookworm filariform larva
Class Nematoda -
The Roundworms
Morphology:
Rhabditiform larvae - long buccal
Distribution:
Morphology –
Males measure 40mm in length.
Females measure 800mm in length.
Diagnosis -
Visual observation of skin blister. The worm’s
serpentine presence beneath skin can be
seen.
Induce release of larvae from the skin ulcer by
applying cold water.
Class Nematoda -
The Roundworms
Dracunculus medinensis – The Guinea Worm
Major pathology and symptoms –
Mild allergic symptoms such as urticaria
during the migration phase.
A papule develops into a blister with
localized erythrema and tenderness.
Generalized symptoms include nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly asthma
attacks.
Additional complications include
secondary bacterial infections, permanent
damage to joints.
Distribution - Middle East and Africa.
Class Nematoda -
The Roundworms
The Filarial Worms