Haycocknema perplexum are parasitic nematodes which reside in tissue under the skin or in blood vessels.[1] The origin of their natural host is unknown. This group comprises 8% of nematode species affecting vertebrates.[1]
| Haycocknema perplexum | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Nematoda |
| Class: | Enoplea |
| Order: | Muspiceida |
| Family: | Robertdollfusiidae |
| Genus: | Haycocknema Spratt, Beveridge, Andrews & Dennett, 1999 |
| Species: | H. perplexum
|
| Binomial name | |
| Haycocknema perplexum Spratt, Beveridge, Andrews & Dennett, 1999
| |
Clinical symptoms of haycocknema perplexum include eosinophilia and high levels of creatine kinase.[1] While rare, with only thirteen documented cases, all originating in Australia,[2] this parasite can become fatal if left untreated due to muscular dystrophy of the respiratory system.[1]
The first case was documented in 1998, and no cases in non-human animals have been reported as of 2022. Only one documented death from complications of infection has been recorded.[2]
The current treatment for the parasite is 400 mg of Albendazole.[3] The broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug can treat diseases by impairing the parasite's ability to absorb glucose, resulting in its death.[3]
References edit
- ^ a b c d "Haycocknema perplexum" (PDF). Wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au. March 2008.
- ^ a b Pritt, Bobbi S.; Mathison, Blaine A.; Bradbury, Richard S.; Liewluck, Teerin; Nicolau, Stefan; O’Horo, John C.; Grunst, David; Pinto, Marcus V.; Swanson, Amy A.; Virk, Abinash (2022). "Imported Haycocknema perplexum Infection, United States - Volume 28, Number 11—November 2022 - Emerging Infectious Diseases journal - CDC". Emerging Infectious Diseases. 28 (11): 2281–2284. doi:10.3201/eid2811.220286. PMC 9622246. PMID 36286008.
- ^ a b "Albendazole". PubChem.
- Haycocknema perplexum: [Internet]. Wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au. 2018 [cited 26 March 2018]. Available from: https://www.wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Portals/0/Documents/FactSheets/Public%20health/Haycocknema%20perplexum%20Mar%202008%20(1.1).pdf
- Albendazole [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 26 March 2018]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/albendazole#section=Top
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