Helminth parasites attachment

Clues to other signals for attachment and invasion of the host by helminth parasites have come from work on fish parasites such as Acanthostomum brauni. Cercariae of A. brauni do not recognize small molecules such as amino acids, monosaccharides or electrolytes, but do respond to hyaluronic acid and glycoproteins for attachment (34). Penetration of the host is triggered by free fatty acids and mucus components present on the fish skin surface (35). 

Mechanism of Action Anantihelminticthat increases cell permeability in susceptible helminths resulting in loss of intracellular calcium, massive contractions and paralysis of their musculature, followed by attachment of phagocytes to the parasites. Therapeutic Effect Vermicidal. Dislodges the dead and dying worms. 

Trematodes, or flukes, are another class of helminths that have parasitic species. Adult flukes are typically flat, oval-shaped worms that have a layer of muscles just below the tegument, or skin, that allow the worm to expand and contract its shape and, thus, move its body. Flukes usually have an oral sucker on their anterior end, sometimes ringed with hooks, that is used to attach themselves to the host s tissues. 

Cestoda A class of flatworms (see Piaty-HELMiNTHEs) Comprising the tapeworms -ribbon-like parasites within the gut of vertebrates. Tapeworms are surrounded by partially digested food in the host gut so they are able to absorb nutrients through their whole body surface. The body consists of a scolex (head), bearing suckers and hooks for attachment, and a series of pit otdds, which contain male and female reproductive systems. The life cycle of a tapeworm requires two hosts, the primary host usually being a predator of the secondary host. Taenia solium has humans for its primary host... 

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