Helminths (Ancylostomatoidea)

Question 1

What superfamily do hookworms belong to?

Answer 1

Ancylostomatoidea

Question 2

What family is specifically mentioned for hookworms?

Answer 2

Ancylostomatidae

Question 3

What is the primary habitat of adult hookworms?

Answer 3

Small intestine

Question 4

Which species of hookworm is known to cause significant blood loss?

Answer 4

Ancylostoma caninum

Question 5

How do the fresh specimens of Ancylostoma caninum compare in color to Uncinaria stenocephala?

Answer 5

A. caninum is dark; U. stenocephala is pale

Question 6

What is a notable feature of all hookworms?

Answer 6

Large buccal cavity directed obliquely dorsally

Question 7

What morphological feature is used to identify male hookworms?

Answer 7

Well-developed bursa

Question 8

What type of eggs do female hookworms lay?

Answer 8

Typical strongylid eggs

Question 9

What are the two subfamilies of hookworms?

Answer 9

Ancylostomatinae and Bunostominae

Question 10

Which subfamily of hookworms parasitizes carnivorous hosts?

Answer 10

Ancylostomatinae

Question 11

Which genera belong to the subfamily Ancylostomatinae?

Answer 11

• Ancylostoma
• Uncinaria
• Globocephalus
• Placoconus

Question 12

What distinguishes the buccal cavities of Ancylostoma species from Uncinaria species?

Answer 12

Ancylostoma has sharp teeth; Uncinaria has cutting plates

Question 13

What is the significance of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) maps?

Answer 13

They show the prevalence of hookworm eggs in canine and feline samples

Question 14

Which genera are included in the subfamily Bunostominae?

Answer 14

• Bunostomum
• Necator
• Bathmostomum
• Grammocephalus

Question 15

How does hookworm infection typically occur?

Answer 15

Through ingestion or skin penetration by infective larvae

Question 16

What is transmammary transmission in hookworms?

Answer 16

Infection of neonates through the mother’s milk

Question 17

What is the primary disease caused by hookworms in dogs?

Answer 17

Anemia

Question 18

What determines the severity of hookworm disease in dogs?

Answer 18

Magnitude of challenge and host resistance

Question 19

What are the four different forms of canine hookworm disease?

Answer 19

• Peracute disease
• Acute disease
• Chronic infection
• Secondary (decompensated) disease

Question 20

What characterizes peracute hookworm disease in puppies?

Answer 20

Transmission of larvae from dam to nursing pups

Question 21

What is the typical treatment for peracute hookworm disease?

Answer 21

Immediate anthelmintic medication and blood transfusion

Question 22

What is the recommended heartworm prevention strategy for puppies in the U.S.?

Answer 22

Begin as near birth as possible with broad-spectrum parasite control

Question 23

What role does nutrition play in hookworm disease treatment?

Answer 23

Protein sufficiency is essential for effective anthelmintic action

Question 24

What can cause secondary hookworm disease in dogs?

Answer 24

Malnutrition or other underlying health issues

Question 25

What is the typical diagnostic method for chronic hookworm infection?

Answer 25

Presence of hookworm eggs in feces and reduced erythrocyte count

Question 26

True or False: Adult hookworms lay eggs within the first week of infection.

Answer 26

False

Question 27

Fill in the blank: The subfamily _______ includes hookworms that infect herbivorous hosts.

Answer 27

Bunostominae

Question 28

What is the effect of protein sufficiency on anthelmintic action?

Answer 28

Protein sufficiency is essential for efficient anthelmintic action against hookworms and other parasites. ## Footnote Malnourished dogs with secondary hookworm disease may require supportive therapy before being treated with anthelmintics.

Question 29

Where are arrested A. caninum larvae found in adult dogs?

Answer 29

In the intestinal wall and skeletal muscle tissue. ## Footnote These arrested larvae are not killed by routine treatment.

Question 30

What happens to arrested A. caninum larvae when adult worms are eliminated?

Answer 30

They mature and start producing eggs in about 4 weeks. ## Footnote Larvae migrate from muscles to the intestine through the lungs.

Question 31

What phenomenon explains why some dogs do not respond to repeated treatments for hookworm infections?

Answer 31

The 'larva leak' phenomenon. ## Footnote This occurs when arrested larvae repopulate the intestine with adults that contaminate the environment.

Question 32

When do most cases of frank hookworm disease occur?

Answer 32

During late spring, summer, and early autumn in temperate climates. ## Footnote This is particularly true when mild weather is accompanied by adequate rainfall.

Question 33

What environmental conditions favor the development of hookworm larvae?

Answer 33

Shirt-sleeve temperatures (23°C to 30°C) and a moderately moist, well-aerated medium. ## Footnote Larvae do not develop well in heavy, water-logged soils or direct sunlight.

Question 34

What is the effect of freezing on Ancylostoma eggs and larvae?

Answer 34

Ancylostoma eggs and larvae are destroyed by freezing. ## Footnote In contrast, Uncinaria eggs and larvae are very resistant to cold.

Question 35

What treatments can destroy hookworm larvae in soil or lawns?

Answer 35

Sodium borate and resinated dichlorvos. ## Footnote Sodium borate destroys vegetation and is unsuitable for lawns.

Question 36

What is the primary method of environmental protection against hookworm infection in pets?

Answer 36

Routine treatment of pet dogs and cats with anthelmintic medication. ## Footnote This reduces the output of hookworm eggs in the feces.

Question 37

What medications are available for treating hookworms in dogs?

Answer 37

Pyrantel pamoate, febantel, fenbendazole, milbemycin oxime, and moxidectin. ## Footnote These medications can be used based on veterinary recommendations.

Question 38

What is a concern regarding A. caninum treatment in Australia?

Answer 38

Resistance to treatment with pyrantel. ## Footnote Reports indicate reduced efficacy of pyrantel against hookworm infections.

Question 39

What is cutaneous larva migrans?

Answer 39

A linear, tortuous, erythematous, and intensely pruritic eruption of the human skin. ## Footnote Usually caused by migration of a nematode larva, often A. braziliense.

Question 40

What factors influence the epidemiologic importance of A. braziliense?

Answer 40

Defecation behavior of dogs and cats. ## Footnote Infection often traced back to contact with damp sand, especially at beaches.

Question 41

What are the clinical features of lesions caused by cutaneous larva migrans?

Answer 41

Narrow erythematous formation, slightly raised line, vesicular, and possible bullae formation. ## Footnote Lesions may advance several inches a day.

Question 42

Where have human cases of eosinophilic enteritis from A. caninum been reported?

Answer 42

Northern semitropical Queensland, Australia. ## Footnote Most cases are linked to suburban housing developments.

Question 43

What are the signs of infection with A. caninum in humans?

Answer 43

Obscure abdominal pain and increased levels of circulating eosinophils. ## Footnote Worms are often not observed in seropositive patients.

Question 44

How can humans become infected with A. caninum larvae?

Answer 44

By the cutaneous route while going about parks and yards without shoes and socks. ## Footnote This highlights the need for preventive measures in pets.

Question 45

True or False: Hookworm larvae are destroyed by sodium hypochlorite solution.

Answer 45

True. ## Footnote This solution kills larvae or makes them more susceptible to environmental stresses.