PHYLUM NEMATODA

 

Characteristics of the phylum Nematoda include:

Bilateral symmetry. 

Has a nervous system with pharyngeal nerve ring. 
Has no circulatory system. 
Reproduction is normally sexual and takes place with nematoda os opposite sex.

Food includes the majority of matter, and these can live anywhere. [45] 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Examples of nematodes are the Ascaradida order parasites Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. 

 

Especially common in cats, dogs, mice, foxes, raccoons, and other mammals, this roundowrm parasite transmits a zoonotic (animal-to-human) disease called Toxocariasis. Once it reaches mammals, they are excreted into the environment. [46]

 

Following 2-4 weeks in the soil, the infective eggs are then transmitted to humans by ingestion. [46]

 

Once inside the human body, the eggs hatch the larvae go through the blood and capillaries, ending up in any location of the body, notably the eye, brain, liver, and lung. [46]

 

Through most infestations may cause only mild symptoms that are not serious, if the parasite infects the eye, local inflammation may cause a variety of eye problems, from partial loss of vision to complete blindness, called Ocular Larva Migrans. [46]