The Acanthocephala, a phylum of intestinal helminths also known as
thorny-headed worms, are characterised by the presence of an eversible
proboscis which is armed with hooks and is used to pierce and anchor
itself to the gut wall of its host. The pathogenecity of an acanthocephalan
is the result of combination of two factors, worm burden and the
depth of proboscis penetration