Eoacanthocephala

Eoacanthocephala

Eoacanthocephala is a subclass of parasitic worms belonging to the class Acanthocephala. These worms are commonly referred to as thorny-headed worms or spiny-headed worms due to their distinctive spiny proboscis. The subclass Eoacanthocephala is characterized by the presence of two separate gonads in both males and females, and a proboscis that is armed with hooks.

Morphology

Eoacanthocephala worms are characterized by their unique morphology. They possess a retractable proboscis, which is covered in rows of hooks. This proboscis is used to attach to the intestinal wall of their host organism. The body of the worm is cylindrical and lacks a digestive system, as nutrients are absorbed directly through the body wall.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Eoacanthocephala involves two hosts. The adult worms live in the intestines of vertebrates, primarily birds and mammals. The eggs are passed out with the feces of the host. When ingested by an invertebrate intermediate host, such as a crustacean, the eggs hatch into larvae. The larvae develop into the infective stage within the intermediate host, and when the intermediate host is eaten by a vertebrate, the cycle begins again.

Pathology

Infection with Eoacanthocephala can lead to a condition known as acanthocephaliasis. This condition is characterized by inflammation and damage to the intestinal wall, caused by the worm's proboscis. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. In severe cases, the worms can cause intestinal blockage.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for acanthocephaliasis typically involves the use of anthelmintic drugs to kill the worms. Prevention involves avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked foods that may contain the larvae of the worms.

See Also

• Acanthocephala
• Parasitic worms
• Anthelmintic

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