Understanding the Roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis: Autoinfection, Hyperinfection, and Heavy Worm Burden

Which of the following roundworms is capable of AUTOINFECTION, HYPERINFECTION, and a HEAVY WORMBURDEN with characteristic larval migration required in the life cycle?A. Ancylostoma duodenaleB. Enterobius vermicularisC. Strongyloides stercoralisD. Ascaris lumbricoides

The roundworm capable of autoinfection, hyperinfection, and a heavy worm burden with characteristic larval migration required in the life cycle is C

The roundworm capable of autoinfection, hyperinfection, and a heavy worm burden with characteristic larval migration required in the life cycle is C. Strongyloides stercoralis.

Autoinfection refers to the ability of a parasite to complete its life cycle within a single host, without the need for an external source of infection. Strongyloides stercoralis is capable of autoinfection, meaning that it can produce larvae that reinfect the same host, leading to a continuous cycle of infection.

Hyperinfection refers to an extreme increase in the number of parasites within the host. In the case of Strongyloides stercoralis, hyperinfection can occur in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. This can lead to a higher worm burden and more severe symptoms.

A heavy worm burden refers to a large number of worms present in the host. Strongyloides stercoralis can cause a heavy worm burden in infected individuals, particularly in cases of hyperinfection. The adult worms of Strongyloides stercoralis reside in the small intestine of the host, where they reproduce and release larvae.

Characteristic larval migration is a process in which the larvae of the parasitic worm migrate through various tissues or organs in the host’s body as part of their life cycle. Strongyloides stercoralis larvae go through this migration process, where they can penetrate the skin and travel to the lungs, then through the airways and back to the gastrointestinal tract, where they mature into adult worms. This migration can contribute to the symptoms and complications associated with Strongyloides stercoralis infection.

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