NEMATODES – ANCYLOSTOMA DUODENALE

NEMATODES – ANCYLOSTOMA DUODENALE

Q1. What is Ancylostoma duodenale? Ancylostoma duodenale is a species of nematode (roundworm) that infects humans and is one of the most common hookworms in the world.

Q2. Morphology of Ancylostoma duodenale

• Ancylostoma duodenale is a thin, yellowish-white, or brownish-white nematode.
• It has a pointed tail and a mouth with a characteristic spiral groove.
• The male is smaller than the female, measuring about 9-15 mm in length.
• The female is larger, measuring about 10-20 mm in length.

Q3. Life Cycle of Ancylostoma duodenale

1. Egg Stage: Female Ancylostoma duodenale lays eggs in the human intestine, which are passed out with feces.
2. Larval Stage: The eggs hatch into larvae in the soil, which then develop into infective third-stage larvae.
3. Infective Stage: The infective third-stage larvae are ingested by humans through contaminated food, water, or soil.
4. Penetration Stage: The larvae penetrate the human skin, usually through the feet.
5. Migration Stage: The larvae migrate through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to the lungs.
6. Pulmonary Stage: The larvae break through the alveoli of the lungs and are coughed up and swallowed.
7. Intestinal Stage: The larvae mature into adult worms in the human intestine.

Memory Trick: "Eggs hatch in dirt, larvae grow with a skirt, penetrate the skin, migrate to the brain, break through the lung, and mature in the gut, it's that simple, no need to fret!"

Q4. Pathogenicity and Clinical Features of Hookworm Infection

• Pathogenesis: → The larvae penetrate the skin and migrate through the bloodstream and lymphatic system. → The larvae break through the alveoli of the lungs and cause pulmonary symptoms. → The adult worms attach to the intestinal mucosa and suck blood, causing anemia and protein loss.
• Clinical Features: → Anemia → Protein loss → Abdominal pain → diarrhea → weight loss → fatigue

Q5. Laboratory Diagnosis of Hookworm Infection

• Direct Detection: → Coprological examination for eggs → Stool culture for larvae
• Indirect Detection: → Serum tests for hookworm antigens → Blood tests for anemia and protein loss

Q6. Management of Hookworm Infection

• Anthelmintic Therapy: Albendazole or mebendazole
• Blood Transfusion: For severe anemia
• Iron Supplements: For protein loss and anemia
• Public Health Measures: Sanitation, hygiene, and education to prevent infection.