parasitic worm

Examples of parasitic worm in the following topics:

• Distribution and Importance of Parasitic Worms

  • Parasitic worms, distributed worldwide, are hypothesized to have importance in immune system regulation.
  • Parasitic worms, often the result of horrible illness and disease, appear to have medicinal properties as well.
  • The importance of parasitic worms has come to light in regards to treating various diseases which may benefit from their presence.
  • It is argued that humans have evolved with parasitic worms and there is a mutualistic relationship which mandates the need for parasitic worms to contribute to a healthy immune system.
  • The study showed that parasitic worm infection results in an increase in eosinophils, thus, promoting control of glucose maintenance .

• Helminths

  • Parasitic worms, often referred to as helminths, are a division of eukaryotic parasites.
  • Parasitic worms, often referred to as helminths, are a division of eukaryotic parasites.
  • Populations in the developing world are at particular risk for infestation with parasitic worms.
  • As humans have evolved with parasitic worms, proponents argue that they are needed for a healthy immune system.
  • List the four groups of parasitic worms (helminths), routes of transmission and risk factors

• Classification and Identification of Helminths

  • Helminths, or parasitic worms, are eukaryotic parasites characterized by their ability to feed and live on living hosts.
  • Helminths and multicellular eukaryotes, can either be free-living or parasitic.
  • These parasites live in and feed on hosts which allow them to obtain nourishment while disrupting the hosts' nutrient absorption.
  • Parasitic worms are commonly found within the intestine and thus, are called intestinal parasites.

• Characteristics of Helminths

  • Helminths are parasitic worms that live and feed on living hosts to receive nourishment and protection which results in illness of the host.
  • Parasitic worms that inhabit the intestinal tract (blood, tissue and organs) of humans are referred to as helminths.
  • Helminths share numerous characteristics that contribute to their parasitic quality including the presence of attachment organs.
  • Intestinal helminths are commonly transmitted through fecally contaminated food and water and these parasites include Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), and Enterobius vermicularis (pin worm).
  • The eggs will mature and hatch in the soil and the immature worms (larvae) will penetrate the skin of humans if contact is made.

• Antiprotozoan and Antihelminthic Drugs

  • Two major classes of parasitic organisms include protozoa and helminths.
  • Helminths are parasitic worms and are divided into three major groups including: flatworms (platyhelminths); thorny-headed worms (acanthocephalins); and roundworms (nematodes and hookworms).
  • This parasite is injected into humans via mosquitoes.
  • Helminths are characterized as various types of parasitic worms, which are effectively targeted by promoting expulsion from the body.
  • Parasitic helminths worms include: tapeworms, flukes, leeches and hookworms.

• Fungal Skin and Nail Diseases

  • The term "ringworm" is a misnomer, since the condition is caused by fungi of several different species and not by parasitic worms.
  • The fungi that cause parasitic infection (dermatophytes) feed on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails.

• Nematodes

  • Analysis of parasitic nematodes reveals the presence of specific body structures which promote parasitic behaviors such as ridges, rings or bristles that allow for attachment.
  • Ascariasis is a disease that is caused by the parasitic roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides.
  • For a second time, the larvae enter into the intestine and mature into adult worms .
  • The presence of the worms within the intestine may also result in malabsorption or intestinal blockage.
  • Shortly after mating, the male worms die and are passed out via the feces.

• Swimmer's Itch

  • There are numerous types of flatworm parasites within the family Schistosomatidae that can cause swimmer's itch.
  • The life cycle of these parasites is characterized by their use of both freshwater snails and vertebrates as hosts.
  • During the life stage of these parasites, the larvae of the parasite, cercaria, exit the water snails and can accidentally come into contact with the skin of a swimmer.
  • For completion of the cycle, adult worms will form in the blood vessels and produce eggs which are passed in the feces.
  • Outline the general life cycle of the Schistosomatidae parasite that causes schistosome cercarial dermatitis

• Babesiosis

  • Babesiosis is a malaria-like parasitic disease caused by infection with Babesia, a parasite transmitted to human hosts by ticks.
  • Babesiosis is a malaria-like parasitic disease caused by Babesia.
  • In the blood, the parasites will then differentiate into male and female gametes.
  • Diagnosis of babesiosis is performed using a Giemsa-test for parasitic identification.
  • Outline the life cycle of the Babesia microti parasite that causes babesiosis

• Plant Virus Life Cycles

  • Like all other viruses, plant viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that do not have the molecular machinery to replicate without a host.
  • These are normally insects, but some fungi, nematode worms and single-celled organisms have been shown to be vectors.