Microbiology 23: Worms And Wiggly Things

Question 1

Give an example of a trematode (fluke) ?

Answer 1

Schistosomiasis

Question 2

Give an example of a Nematode (roundworm) ?

Answer 2

Ascaris

Question 3

Which worm has a leaf like shape and buries its way through your liver and into the biliary tract where it lays eggs ?

Answer 3

Trematode (flukes) - Schistosomiasis

Question 4

Give an example of a Cestode (tapeworm) ?

Answer 4

Taenia Solium (from pigs)
Taenia Saginata (from cows)

Question 5

Which tape worm has dogs as their definitive host ?

Answer 5

Hydatid

Question 6

How do humans get infected by Schistosomiasis?

Answer 6

Circariae are floating larvae found in contaminated water and can penetrate the human skin. They travel to venous plexus in bladder or gut. They become worms and start laying eggs (this is the damaging part). Then the eggs are excreted in faeces/urine. The eggs hatch and infect snails. The snails release Circariae which can also infect humans by penetrating the foot.

Question 7

Which cancer is associated with Schistosomiasis infection ?

Answer 7

Bladder cancer

Question 8

What is the treatment for Schistosomiasis ?

Answer 8

Praziquantel

Question 9

How can Ascaris infection present Clinicaly ?

Answer 9

Malnutrition
Blood loss- Anaemia
G.I Obstruction

Question 10

How are ascaris parasites transmitted to humans ?

Answer 10

Faeco-oral route- You eat the eggs they hatch into worms in the intestines. The worms lay eggs which are excreted in faeces. Eggs reside in soil.

Question 11

What is the cause of Elephantiasis ?

Answer 11

Lymphatic Filariasis infection (roundworms)

Question 12

Name 2 vectors of Filariasis ?

Answer 12

Black flies

Mosquitoes

Question 13

Give 2 examples of how Filariasis infection can be diagnosed ?

Answer 13

Dance sign on ultrasound

Can see the worm migrating across the Eye (loa loa worm)

Question 14

Which worm can be seen migrating across the eye ?

Answer 14

Loa Loa worm (Filariasis (roundworm))

Question 15

How does the Tumbu fly transmit myiasis parasite infection in Africa ?

Answer 15

It deposits larvae on clothes hanging on washing lines which then infect human skin.

Question 16

List 6 causes of Eosinophilia ?

Answer 16

PARASITE INFECTION
Atopy
Drug allergy
Malignancy- hodgkins Lymphoma
Autoimmune disease- SLE
Vasculitis- Churg-Strauss Syndrome

Question 17

What does Myiasis infection look like ?

Answer 17

Larvae penetrating out of the skin, eyes etc 🤮

Question 18

What is the risk of Aspirating a hydatid cyst ?

Answer 18

If the cyst is broken and its contents spills it causes an inflammatory response which could cause anaphylaxis

Question 19

Which helminth is able to undergo autoinfection in the intestines ?

Answer 19

Strongyloides

Question 20

What is the most common cause of epilepsy world wide ?

Answer 20

Cystericosis (brain worm)

Question 21

Which worm is the most common cause of cystericosis ?

Answer 21

Tinea solium