Question

Choose the statement that does not describe helminths in general to test your understanding of GI tract diseases caused by helminths.

1. possess a complex neurological system

2. specialized mouthparts for attaching to host tissues

3. possess a protective cuticle

4. release enzymes to penetrate tissues

5. may be acquired by the fecal-oral route

Answer 1

The statement that does not describe helminths in general is 1. possess a complex neurological system. For GI tract disease caused by helminths such as hookworm, they attach to the walls of the intestine, where they feed on the blood. For Ascaris, the unfertilised eggs possess strong cell wall so as to prevent them from dessication. Ascaris releases enzymes such as proteases which causes degradation and penetration of host tssues. Further, ascariasis, hookworm infections are essentially spread through oral- faecal route. So, the correct option is 1.