A patient presents with vague abdominal pains and a MICROCYTIC HYPOCHROMIC anemia. A possible causativeparasite is:A. Enterobius vermicularisB. Ancylostoma duodenaleC. Brugia malayiD. Trichinella spiralis
Based on the clinical presentation of vague abdominal pains and a microcytic hypochromic anemia, the possible causative parasite in this case would most likely be Ancylostoma duodenale (choice B)
Based on the clinical presentation of vague abdominal pains and a microcytic hypochromic anemia, the possible causative parasite in this case would most likely be Ancylostoma duodenale (choice B).
Ancylostoma duodenale, also known as the hookworm, is a parasitic nematode that infects humans. It is primarily transmitted through the skin when in contact with contaminated soil or through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Once inside the human body, the hookworm larvae migrate to the intestines where they attach themselves to the intestinal walls and feed on blood, leading to iron deficiency anemia.
The anemia caused by Ancylostoma duodenale infection is usually microcytic and hypochromic. Microcytic anemia refers to the presence of smaller red blood cells, and hypochromic anemia refers to the reduced color or paleness of the red blood cells. This is due to the chronic blood loss caused by the hookworm’s feeding habits.
The other options listed are not typically associated with microcytic hypochromic anemia. Enterobius vermicularis (choice A) is the pinworm and does not cause significant blood loss or anemia. Brugia malayi (choice C) is a parasitic worm that causes lymphatic filariasis, which typically presents with lymphatic dysfunction rather than anemia. Trichinella spiralis (choice D) is a parasitic roundworm that causes trichinellosis when humans consume undercooked infected meat. While trichinellosis can cause muscle pain and other symptoms, it is not directly associated with microcytic hypochromic anemia.
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