Appendix: Bioinspired Parasite Details
A p p e n d i x : B i o i n s p i r e d P a r a s i t e Details Internal Parasites: Endoparasites Biological endoparasites live inside a hosts’ body. In farms, biological parasites infect, hurt, and even kill animals, hurting a farming business. This book is look- ing for inspiration from biology to prevent or treat business “disease.” In business, there are many opportunities for inoculation and treatment. Brain Jackers—Acanthocephala— Thorny-Headed Worms Thorny-headed worms are rare in humans, and also cause disease in birds, amphibians, and reptiles. They are called thorny-headed because they use a bio- logical lancet to pierce and hold onto the stomach walls of the host (Wikipedia, 2013). Their lifecycle includes invertebrates, fish, lizards, birds, and mammals. In one stage of their lifecycle, they “brain jack” a small crustacean eaten by ducks. Just as inner-city drivers are subject to “car-jacking,” this parasite actually redi- rects the crustacean’s dominant behavior from staying away from light to actively seeking it—where ducks may be more likely to eat them, and where the parasite reproduces (Wikipedia, 2013). Alaskan Inuit have a zest for raw fish and that contributes to their increased incidence of Acanthocephala infection compared with other groups of people (Roberts & Janovy, 2009, p. 506). Prevention and Treatment for Acanthocephala Endoscopic and X-ray examinations detect Acanthocephala because their eggs are not passed through feces (Mehlhorn, 2008, p. 25). Controlling the spread of rodents, as well as protecting and cooking food prevents infection.
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