Trematodes Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is another name for Schistosoma japonicum?
Oriental blood fluke
Known for causing Katayama fever or acute schistosomiasis
What are the manifestations of Schistosoma japonicum infection?
Katayama fever, chronic infections leading to hepatosplenic disease and fibrosis
May mimic brain tumors in severe cases
What is the mode of transmission (MOT) for Schistosoma japonicum?
Skin penetration by cercariae in contaminated freshwater
Causes “swimmer’s itch”
What is the infective stage of Schistosoma japonicum?
Cercariae
Cercariae are the larval form that penetrate the skin
What is the diagnostic stage for Schistosoma japonicum?
Eggs in stool or tissue biopsy (rectal/liver)
Identification of eggs is crucial for diagnosis
Who are the definitive hosts for Schistosoma japonicum?
Humans, dogs, cats, pigs, and domestic mammals
Various mammals can host the adult form
What is the intermediate host for Schistosoma japonicum?
Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi (amphibious freshwater snail)
Snails are critical for the life cycle of the trematode
What is the significant feature of Schistosoma japonicum eggs?
Large eggs with a small lateral spine
Eggs are pear-shaped and pale yellow
What is the primary treatment for Schistosoma japonicum infection?
Praziquantel
Preventive measures include avoiding contaminated water sources
What is the infective stage of Paragonimus westermani?
Metacercaria
Ingestion of raw or undercooked freshwater crustaceans is necessary
What are the main manifestations of Paragonimus westermani infection?
Paragonimiasis (primarily pulmonary, but may be cutaneous or cerebral in ectopic cases)
Can cause serious cerebral infections
What is the diagnostic stage for Paragonimus westermani?
Unembryonated eggs in sputum or feces
Eggs exit via coughing or swallowing
What is the primary treatment for Paragonimus westermani?
Praziquantel: 25 mg/kg TID for 2–3 days
Triclabendazole is an alternative treatment
What is the mode of transmission (MOT) for Fasciolopsis buski?
Ingestion of encysted metacercariae from aquatic plants
Commonly found in water caltrop and water chestnut
What are the main manifestations of Fasciolopsis buski infection?
Gland abscesses, intestinal obstruction, intoxification
Can cause significant gastrointestinal symptoms
What is the diagnostic stage for Fasciolopsis buski?
Unembryonated eggs in feces
Eggs are larger than those of other related species
What is the primary treatment for Fasciolopsis buski?
Praziquantel
Treatment is effective for this intestinal fluke
What is a significant feature of Heterophyid flukes?
Inflammation, PUD, or APD, often misdiagnosed
They can cause colicky abdominal pain and mucoid diarrhea
What is the mode of transmission (MOT) for Heterophyid flukes?
Ingestion of metacercariae encysted in fish
Commonly associated with raw fish consumption
What is the primary treatment for Heterophyid flukes?
Praziquantel
Effective against various species of Heterophyid flukes
What is the significant feature of Fasciola hepatica?
Large operculated eggs
Known as the temperate liver fluke, it causes acute and chronic infections
What are the primary hosts for Fasciola hepatica?
Domestic and wild ruminants like sheep, cattle, and goats
These animals are crucial in the life cycle of the parasite
What are the diagnostic methods for Fasciola hepatica?
Stool examination for eggs and serological tests
Imaging techniques like ultrasound are also used
What is the primary treatment for Fasciola hepatica?
Triclabendazole
Preventive measures include avoiding ingestion of contaminated water plants
