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MACRACANTHORHYNCHUS HIRUDINACEUS
This organism has been called the giant thorny-headed worm. Although little
clinical history is available concerning acanthocephalan infections in humans, varying
degrees of inflammation along the intestinal mucosa have been described. Oleoresin of
aspidium has been successfully employed as a treatment for adults, while mebendazole
is recommended for children. The geographical distribution of this organism is
worldwide.
HABITAT: Small intestines.
INTERMEDIATE HOST: Beetle larvae (grubs).
RESERVOIR HOST: Swine (usual definitive host).
INFECTIVE FORM: Cystacanth.
MODE OF INFECTION: Ingestion.
Figure 4-40. Life cycle of Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus.
MD0842
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