Nematodes

Abstract

Nematodes are unsegmented cylindrical worms with a body cavity containing an alimentary canal and genital system; the sexes are separate. They have longitudinal muscles, which allow them to move by flexing their bodies. Molecular diagnosis for intestinal nematodes is increasingly being introduced in diagnostic laboratories. There are a variety of morphological features and DNA sequences which form the basis for taxonomy of nematodes. The primary diagnosis of infection is by demonstration of A. lumbricoides eggs in feces. Albendazole is the first choice for treating A. lumbricoides , and mebendazole is also effective. Any helminth eggs or larvae found in feces are significant, and treatment is recommended even if the patient is asymptomatic. There is no need to quantitate helminth parasites in a diagnostic context, as this does not necessarily correlate with clinical illness.