*Question 1*
Write short notes on the following indicating their relevance in the fight against helminths infections.
a) Albendazole
b) Ivermectin
c) Praziquantel
d) Piperazine (Diethylcarbamazine)

Hint: the molecular structure, how the aforementioned drugs work, side effects, etc.

*Question 2*
Briefly write in the merits and demerits of the various diagnostic methods used in parasitology
a) Microscopy
b) Polymerase Chain Reaction / Isothermal amplification
c) Immunodiagnostics

*Question 3*
Briefly explain why the parasite which causes Lymphatic filariasis (wuchereria bancrofti) undergoes nocturnal periodicity

Hint: what is nocturnal periodicity, what causes it and their advantages



Explanation:

Question 1

Write short notes on the following indicating their relevance in the fight against helminths infections.

a) Albendazole  = is the most common treatment for pinworms. Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infections are extremely common

b) Ivermectin  =  is indicated for the treatment of Strongyloidiasis of the intestinal tract and Onchocerciasis

c) Praziquantel  =  is used to treat schistosoma (infection with a type of worm that lives in the bloodstream) and liver fluke (infection with a type of worm that lives in or near the liver).

d) Piperazine (Diethylcarbamazine) = it has activity against A. lumbricoides and E. vermicularis.

Question 2*

Briefly write in the merits and demerits of the various diagnostic methods used in parasitology

a) Microscopy  --->

1- Portable Microscopes:

Advantages = Easy to operate, inexpensive, easily transportable.

Disadvantages = Low resolution, Inability to provide a 3D rendering of structures, inability to operate in darkness.

2- Electron microscopes:

Advantages = They have a much higher range of magnification (can detect smaller structures) They have a much higher resolution (can provide clearer and more detailed images)

Disadvantages = high cost, size, maintenance, researcher training and image artifacts resulting from specimen preparation.

b) Polymerase Chain Reaction /  Isothermal amplification --->

Advantages =  it's a rapid, sensitive, specific, and user-friendly assay

Disadvantages = high costs, easy contamination of the reactions, which can generate false positive results. These contaminations can be linked to the manipulation of reagents, instruments and necessary care to carry out the technique.

c) Immunodiagnostics --->

The main advantage is the sensitivity of the technique, as they have low detection threshold values.

The disadvantages start already in the manipulation and execution of the technique, requiring highly qualified professionals. In addition to this disadvantage, there is also the price of equipment and reagents and the possibility of light interference from the tissues themselves (autofluorescence) and non-specific fluorescence.

*Question 3*

Briefly explain why the parasite which causes Lymphatic filariasis (wuchereria bancrofti) undergoes nocturnal periodicity

Microfilariae were found to have great difficulty in passing through the peripheral capillaries. Microfilariae are less active in day blood than in night blood. It is suggested that because of this, they are not able to work their way through the capillaries in the daytime, hence the mechanism of nocturnal periodicity.

Hope I coud help

not meh

explanation:

it's terribl

Explanation:

my grades are plummeting.