Intro To Parasitology Flashcards
Parasite
Organism that lives in or on another host organism (without benefit to the host)
Parasitology
The study of parasites and their relationships to the host
Host
The organism that provides nutrients to another organism
Intermediate Host
Development of some stages. Generally, the parasite cannot fully mature in this host.
This stage is necessary in some parasite life cycles.
Definitive Host
Sexual stage develops (EX: toxoplasma in cats, parasite may finish its life cycle here)
Vector
Carrier that is not infected. (EX: mosquito carrying malaria)
Endoparasite
- Parasites within the body.
- Parasites that infects internal organs including: stomach, heart, intestines, lungs, kidneys, liver, and muscle.
Ectoparasite
- Parasites upon the body.
- Parasite that infects the host in or on the skin.
Ova
Egg
Larva
Hint: “caterpillar form”
Immature parasite form, there may be several larval stages in development of parasite.
Cyst
Hint: “early caterpillar in cocoon form”
Dormant phase of parasite, usually very resistant to heat, drying, etc.
Direct Life Cycle
Host acquires parasite infection by consumption/absorption of infective cyst/egg.
Indirect Life Cycle
Host acquires parasite infection by consumption of a transport host.
Prepatent Period
Time period between infection with parasite and appearance of diagnostic parameter.
Zoonoses
An infection that can be transmitted between animals to humans (species to species)