An Introduction to Parasites Flashcards
What is a parasite?
An organism that lives in another organism (host) and gets its food at the expense of the host
How does the complexity of parasites compare to bacteria?
They are simple organisms but more complex than bacteria
What do parasites cause?
Many diseases with malaria causing the most deaths globally
What are the 3 classes of parasites?
Protozoa
Helminths (worms)
Arthropods
What are examples of protozoa?
Malaria
Amoebae
Flagellate
Leishmaniasis
How is malaria spread?
By mosquito
What are symptoms of amoebae?
Diarrhoea with blood/pus and cysts formed in stool
What does leishmaniasis cause?
Skin or mucosal ulceration
Leads to fever and weight loss
How does leishmaniasis spread?
Bite by sandflies
How is leishmaniasis diagnoses?
Histology of biopsy material
What are examples of helminths?
Roundworms (nematodes)
Tapeworms (cestodes)
Flukes (trematodes)
What is the scientific name of roundworms?
Nematodes
How are nematodes diagnosed?
Pressing adhesive tape againt perianal region in the morning
Where are nematodes ova seen?
In microscopy
How are nematodes transmitted?
Faecal-oral route