Question

What are the similarities and differences between the life cycle of hookworm and Ascaris?

Answer 1

Similarities:

Life cycle is completed in a single host.

No intermediate host is required.

Rhabditiform larva is seen in the life cycle of both.

A part of development takes place in the intestine of man in both.

Four moultings are seen.

Differences:

Infective stage is third stage filariform larva in hook worm and embryonated egg with rhabditiform larva in ascaris.

Mode of infection is through contamination of food and water in ascaris,while in hook worm it is through the subcutaneous tissue penetration of the filariform larva.Rarely through oral route.

Mamillated eggs are seen in ascaris

Smooth shells in hookworm.

Ascaris eggs are bile stained,eggs of hook worm are non bile stained