Parasites II

by Ahmad Aqrabin Shah

1.      Enterobius Vermicularis

a)      Is a Cestode that causes perianal itching.                                   

b)      It is transmitted via Hand to Mouth transfer of eggs.                                        

c)      It is commonly known as pinworm or seatworm.                       

d)      The eggs are detected on the stool sample.                               

e)      The eggs are detected microscopically on a sellotape swab       

preparation

Answers:    False (It is NOT a Cestode, it is a Nematode), True , True, False (The eggs are NOT seen on the stool; the adult worms are seen on the stool), True.

2.      Trichuris Trichiura

a)      It is a Nematode.                                                                         

b)      It is transmitted via fecal-oral route.                                          

c)      It is commonly known as Whipworm.                                         

d)      It may lead to rectal prolapse.                                                    

e)      The eggs are microscopically detected in the stool sample.      

Answers:    True , True , True , True , True .

3.      Strongyloides Stercoralis

a)      Is a Tapeworm.

b)      The Adult worm is detected in the stool specimen.

c)      Filariform larvae infects the host by penetration of the skin.

d)      Causes diarrhea, bronchitis, eosinophilia.

e)      Can spread via autoinfection

Answers:    False (It is NOT a Tapeworm (Cestode). It is a Roundworm (Nematode)) , False (the Rhabtidiform larvae is found in the stool, not the adult worm) , True , True , True .

4.      Trichinella Spiralis

a)      Is a Nematode.

b)      Transmitted via consumption of meat that contains the larval stage of the parasite.

c)      Causes parasite dissemination to striated muscle.

d)      Diagnosed by muscle biopsy.

e)      Found especially in pork.

Answers:    True , True , True , True , True .

5.      Echinococcus Granulosus

a)      Is a Tapeworm.

b)      Common site is the brain.

c)      Primary hosts are cats.

d)      Transmitted via Hand to Mouth transfer of eggs.

e)      Diagnosed by eggs in the stool specimen.

Answers:    True , False (Common sites are the lungs and liver) , False (Primary hosts are Dogs and Wild Canines) , True , False (It is detected by serological tests (ELISA)).

6.      Taenia spp.

a)      Is a Nematode.

b)      Can only be found in pork.

c)      Causes infection of the Gastrointestinal Tract.

d)      Transmitted by the ingestion of poorly cooked meat.

e)      Detected by eggs in feces or proglottids.

Answers:    False (It is NOT a nematode. It is a Cestode) , False (It can be found in BOTH pork AND beef) , True , True , True

                                      

Notes: Remember that Cestodes are also known as Tapeworms and that Nematodes are also known as Roundworms. Take note that parasites can be an Endoparasite (parasites that lives inside the host) or an Ectoparasite (parasites that lives on the surface of the skin/tissue. E.g; Onchocerca volvulus)