Helminths

Question 1

What are helminths?

Answer 1

Parasitic worms that infect humans and animals.

Question 2

What are the three main types of helminths?

Answer 2

Nematodes (roundworms), trematodes (flukes), cestodes (tapeworms).

Question 3

How do helminths infect humans?

Answer 3

Through ingestion of eggs, larvae, or skin penetration.

Question 4

What is a common nematode infection?

Answer 4

Hookworm, roundworm, pinworm, filariasis.

Question 5

What is a common trematode infection?

Answer 5

Schistosomiasis (fluke infection).

Question 6

What is a common cestode infection?

Answer 6

Tapeworms, e.g., Taenia solium (pork tapeworm).

Question 7

How do hookworms enter the body?

Answer 7

Penetrate skin, often through bare feet in contaminated soil.

Question 8

How are roundworms typically transmitted?

Answer 8

Through ingestion of contaminated food, water, or soil (eggs).

Question 9

What are symptoms of a helminth infection?

Answer 9

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, itching.

Question 10

How do tapeworms attach to the intestines?

Answer 10

Using hooks or suckers on their head (scolex).

Question 11

How does schistosomiasis affect the body?

Answer 11

Causes inflammation, liver damage, blood in urine or stool.

Question 12

What is a characteristic symptom of pinworm infection?

Answer 12

Itchy anus, especially at night.

Question 13

What organs do helminths commonly affect?

Answer 13

Intestines, liver, lungs, blood vessels.

Question 14

How do helminths evade the immune system?

Answer 14

By changing surface proteins, hiding in tissues, or suppressing immune responses.

Question 15

What is the role of eosinophils in helminth infections?

Answer 15

They attack and help kill helminths.

Question 16

How are helminth infections diagnosed?

Answer 16

Stool samples, blood tests, imaging, or biopsy.

Question 17

What is the treatment for helminth infections?

Answer 17

Anthelmintic drugs (e.g., albendazole, mebendazole).

Question 18

How can helminth infections be prevented?

Answer 18

Improved sanitation, handwashing, safe food and water, wearing shoes.

Question 19

What are the lifecycle stages of a helminth?

Answer 19

Eggs, larvae, adult worm.

Question 20

How do filarial worms affect the body?

Answer 20

Cause lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) by blocking lymph vessels.

Question 21

What is the definitive host for most helminths?

Answer 21

Humans, who harbor the adult worms.

Question 22

What is the intermediate host in a helminth infection?

Answer 22

Animals or insects that carry larval stages of helminths.

Question 23

What is ascariasis?

Answer 23

A roundworm infection caused by Ascaris lumbricoides.

Question 24

How can tapeworms cause cysticercosis?

Answer 24

By ingesting tapeworm eggs from undercooked pork, leading to cysts in organs.

Question 25

What is trichinosis?

Answer 25

A disease caused by eating undercooked meat infected with Trichinella larvae.

Question 26

How do schistosomes infect the body?

Answer 26

Penetrate skin while swimming in contaminated water.

Question 27

How do hookworm larvae travel in the body?

Answer 27

They travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, then up to the throat to be swallowed.

Question 28

What are complications of untreated helminth infections?

Answer 28

Malnutrition, organ damage, anemia, and growth problems.

Question 29

How can helminth infections impact the immune system?

Answer 29

By suppressing immune responses, making the body more vulnerable to other infections.

Question 30

Why are pregnant women at higher risk of helminth infections?

Answer 30

Changes in immune function and possible nutrient deficiencies.