| Haycocknema perplexum | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification | |
| 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 | |
Haycocknema perplexum areparasiticnematodes which reside intissue under theskin or inblood vessels.[1] The origin of theirnatural host is unknown. This group comprises 8% of nematode species affectingvertebrates.[1]
Clinical symptoms ofhaycocknema perplexum includeeosinophilia and high levels ofcreatine kinase.[1] While rare, with only thirteen documented cases, all originating inAustralia,[2] this parasite can become fatal if left untreated due tomuscular dystrophy of therespiratory 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 ofAlbendazole.[3] The broad-spectrumanthelminticdrug can treat diseases by impairing the parasite's ability to absorbglucose, resulting in its death.[3]
_-_Body.png)