Intro to Veterinary Parasitology Flashcards
what is the importance of veterinary parasitology?
- Economics (production expenditures and losses; practice revenues)
- Animal welfare
- Human disease (zoonoses)
what is symbiosis?
Relationship where an organism spends part or all of its life intimately associated with another living organism of a different species
what are the three main types of symbiotic relationships?
- Commensalism
- Mutualism
- Parasitism
what is commensalism?
one member benefits, host neither benefits nor is harmed
what is mutualism?
both members benefit
what is parasitism?
parasite lives in or on the body of another organism at the expense of the host
what is clinical parasitism?
signs are evident (ex: Diarrhea, Bottle jaw, Anemia, Rough hair coat)
what is subclinical parasitism?
no signs, but hidden consequences (ex: Reduced weaning weight, Reduced milk production, Reduced reproductive performance, Reduced growth rate, Increased susceptibility to disease)
what is a definitive host?
Host in which the parasite reaches sexual maturity or produces its sexual stages
what is an intermediate host?
Obligate host which alternates with the definitive host and harbors a larval stage of the parasite (usually where asexual reproduction occurs)
what is a paratenic/transport host?
Host in which the parasite remains viable, but does not undergo further development or growth
what is a dead end/accidental host?
Host that blocks transmission to susceptible hosts, preventing any further parasite development
what is prepatent infection?
Phase of infection between entry into the host and attainment of sexual maturity
what is prepatent period?
Time period between infection and eggs passing in the feces
