The entire life cycle of most of the parasitic worms lasts four to six weeks. The life cycle of which among the following worms includes parasitic parthenogenetic females that are capable of hatching the eggs either internally or externally?
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Camallanid
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Rhabditid
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Strongyle
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Oxyurid
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Ascarid
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Rhabditid ‘threadworms’ have tiny bodies which become embedded in the host mucosa. Their life-cycle includes parasitic parthenogenetic females producing eggs which may hatch internally (leading to auto-infection) or externally (leading to transmission of infection or formation of free-living male and female adults). Super-infections by Strongyloides may cause severe haemorrhagic enteritis in humans.