Difference between revisions of "Helminths Introduction"
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| − | [[Image:Soybean cyst nematode EM.jpg|thumb|right|150px| | + | [[Image:Soybean cyst nematode EM.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Soybean Cyst Nematode and Egg, Scanning Electron Micrograph - Wikimedia Commons]] |
| − | The term helminth is commonly used to describe parasitic worms, all with eukaryotic cell structures. The two main groups are the '''Nematodes''' (roundworms) and the '''Platyhelminthes''' (flatworms). | + | The term helminth is commonly used to describe parasitic worms, all with eukaryotic cell structures. The two main groups are the '''Nematodes''' (roundworms) and the '''Platyhelminthes''' (flatworms).[[Image:729px-Soybean cyst nematode and egg SEM.jpg|thumb|right|100px|Soybean cyst nematode and egg]] |
*'''Nematodes''': typically long and slender, the nematodes are dioecious (male and female individuals) and are generally found attached to the intestinal wall | *'''Nematodes''': typically long and slender, the nematodes are dioecious (male and female individuals) and are generally found attached to the intestinal wall | ||
**Hookworms- widely endemic in the tropics, hookworms hatch on soil and enter the host through the feet. Pathogenesis involves intestinal irritation and haemorrhage. | **Hookworms- widely endemic in the tropics, hookworms hatch on soil and enter the host through the feet. Pathogenesis involves intestinal irritation and haemorrhage. | ||
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**Pork worm- found worldwide, pork worms can infect most carnivorous animals, causing trichinosis. | **Pork worm- found worldwide, pork worms can infect most carnivorous animals, causing trichinosis. | ||
**Filarial worms- various species found in tropical and subtropical areas depending on distribution of insect vectors, causes allergic reactions and potentially blindness | **Filarial worms- various species found in tropical and subtropical areas depending on distribution of insect vectors, causes allergic reactions and potentially blindness | ||
| − | *'''Platyhelminthes'''[[Image:Tenia solium scolex.jpg|thumb|right|100px| | + | *'''Platyhelminthes'''[[Image:Tenia solium scolex.jpg|thumb|right|100px|Scolex, with hooks, of ''T. solium'' tapeworm]] |
**Trematodes- commonly known as the 'flukes,' trematodes are non-segmented and have alternate sexual and non-sexual generations in different hosts. They are mostly hermaphroditic except the blood flukes, which are dioecious. | **Trematodes- commonly known as the 'flukes,' trematodes are non-segmented and have alternate sexual and non-sexual generations in different hosts. They are mostly hermaphroditic except the blood flukes, which are dioecious. | ||
**Cestodes- commonly known as the 'tapeworms,' these consist of an enlarged head section ('scolex'), with suckers or hooks for attachment in the intestine and successive flat segments forming a chain of 'proglottids' | **Cestodes- commonly known as the 'tapeworms,' these consist of an enlarged head section ('scolex'), with suckers or hooks for attachment in the intestine and successive flat segments forming a chain of 'proglottids' | ||
Revision as of 22:08, 26 June 2010
The term helminth is commonly used to describe parasitic worms, all with eukaryotic cell structures. The two main groups are the Nematodes (roundworms) and the Platyhelminthes (flatworms).
- Nematodes: typically long and slender, the nematodes are dioecious (male and female individuals) and are generally found attached to the intestinal wall
- Hookworms- widely endemic in the tropics, hookworms hatch on soil and enter the host through the feet. Pathogenesis involves intestinal irritation and haemorrhage.
- Giant roundworms- found worldwide, hosts are infected by ingesting eggs from faeces of infected individuals. Symptoms include intestinal irritation and malnutrition
- Pinworms- found in temperate areas, eggs hatch in the intestine after ingestion
- Pork worm- found worldwide, pork worms can infect most carnivorous animals, causing trichinosis.
- Filarial worms- various species found in tropical and subtropical areas depending on distribution of insect vectors, causes allergic reactions and potentially blindness
- Platyhelminthes
- Trematodes- commonly known as the 'flukes,' trematodes are non-segmented and have alternate sexual and non-sexual generations in different hosts. They are mostly hermaphroditic except the blood flukes, which are dioecious.
- Cestodes- commonly known as the 'tapeworms,' these consist of an enlarged head section ('scolex'), with suckers or hooks for attachment in the intestine and successive flat segments forming a chain of 'proglottids'
