Difference between revisions of "Helminths Introduction"

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[[Image:Soybean cyst nematode EM.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Soybean Cyst Nematode and Egg, Scanning Electron Micrograph - Wikimedia Commons]]
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[[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).[[Image:729px-Soybean cyst nematode and egg SEM.jpg|thumb|right|100px|Soybean cyst nematode and egg]]
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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
 
*'''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|Scolex, with hooks, of ''T. solium'' tapeworm]]
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*'''Platyhelminthes'''[[Image:Tenia solium scolex.jpg|thumb|right|100px|''Scolex, with hooks, of T. solium tapeworm'' Hubert 1891, WikiMedia Commons]]
 
**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'[[Category:Helminths]]
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**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'
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[[Category:Helminths]]
  
 
[[Category:To_Do_-_Parasites]]
 
[[Category:To_Do_-_Parasites]]

Latest revision as of 17:19, 21 July 2010

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).

  • 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
    Scolex, with hooks, of T. solium tapeworm Hubert 1891, WikiMedia Commons
    • 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'