Interactions between parasites and humans Flashcards
what is a parasite?
an organism that lives on another, at its expense.
what is a helminth?
mutlicellualr, eukaryotic organisms.
what are nematodes?
round worms.
what platyhelminths?
flat worms.
what organs can helminths attack?
all the body’s organisms.
what is direct infection?
-reproductive stages are released, directly infect new host. e.g people drink water with eggs.
what is indirect infection?
- reproductive stages must go through a host.
- e.g. an infected animal is consumed.
what is filarisis?
dysfunction of lymphatic system - therefore often leads to secondary infections.
what is filarisis caused by?
nematodes.
what is filarisis transmitted by?
blood feeding vectors - mosquitos.
what can filarisis cause?
long term tissue damage.
what are protozoans?
unicellular eukaryotes.
what is giardiasis?
- severe diarrhoea
- one of the most common waterborne diseases.
- parasite lives in intestine
what are symptoms of giardiasis?
diarrhoea, greasy (floating) stools.
treatment for giardiasis?
generally self-limiting.
prevention for giardiasis?
good hygiene, avoid contaminated water.
what are kinetoplastids?
- flagellated parasites
- trypanosomes.
What is american trypanosome also called?
chagas disease.
What causes chagas disease?
trypanosoma cruzi
how does chagas disease occur?
animal deposits their faeces into a person’s skin.
what causes african trypanosomiasis?
-caused by trypanosoma brucei.
What is present at the site of the bite?
red sore.
what are effects of T. Brucei?
- effects CNS -seizures.
- can be lethal
What causes leishmaniasis?
-caused by leishamnia spp.
