This is a schematic diagram depicting the body structure of which of these helminths?

Ans. b. Brugia malayi (Ref Paniker's Parasitology 6/e p203) The microfilariae given in the question has morphology typical of Brugia malayi. In Brugia malayi, head space is twice as long as it is broad, nuclei in body appears crowded & tail tapers around to two nuclei that appears to be connected by a fine thread. Brugia malayi Brugia malayi is one of the tissue roundworm responsible for filariasis in Asia & Indian subcontinent. Life-cycle host: Definitive host: HumanQ Intermediate host: Mosquito (Mansonia, Anopheles) Q Characteristic Features: Periodicity: NocturnalQ Location of adult: Lymphatic tissueQ; Location of microfilariae: BloodQ Morphology of Brugia malayi Microfilariae Head-space is twice as long as it is broadQ Nuclei in body appears crowdedQ Sheath stains pink-red with Giemsa stain & body is closely folded in angular fashion Tail tapers around to two nuclei that appears to be connected by a fine threadQ. Diagnosis: Microscopic examination of differential morphological features of microfilariae in stained blood films can aid in diagnosisQ. Giemsa staining will uniquely stain Brugia malayi sheath pinkQ. Treatment: DOC: Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) Q.