L1 - Parasitology overview (fleas) Flashcards
What is veterinary parasitology?
The study of diseases in domesticated animals caused by animal or animal-like organisms
What are the 3 main groups of parasites
Arthropods, helminths, protozoans
What is an Arthropod
insect, ticks, mites
What is a helminth
Worms - roundworms, flatworms
What is a protozoans
Single celled eukaryotes (blood, tissues, intestinal parasites)
What are the 3 host types in parasite cycles
Definitive, intermediate and paratenic host
What a definitive host
where the parasite reaches sexual maturity
What is a intermediate host
it is required for parasite development
What are paratenic host
there is no parasite development, but helps transmission
What is a example of a parasite requiring multiple hosts?
Spirometra erinacea (zipper worm)
What is the 1st IH, 2nd IH and DH of the zipper worm
1st IH: Copepod
2nd IH: Vertebrate (frog, reptile, fish)
DH: Mammal (cat, dog, human)
How is Dirofilaria immitis (dog heartworm) transmitted
Mosquito vector injects larvae -> migrates to heart and lungs -> mature into adult worms
What are the main arthropod groups relevant to veterinary medicine
Crustaceans - IH for parasites
Chelicerates (arachnids) - ticks, mites
insects - fleas, lice, flies
What are key arthropod features
Hard exoskeleton, growth by molting, enhanced locomotion, ectoparasitism adaption
What is the most important flea affecting dogs and cats
Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea)
What does the cat flea do
cause flea allergy dermatitis
transmits Dipylidium caninum ( cucumber tapeworm)
Describe the lifecycle of cat flea
eggs laid on host - drop onto bedding
larvae hatch in environment, feed on flea dirt
pupae form silk cocoon, resistant to drying
adults emerge when detecting movement - jump onto host
What environmental conditions favor flea survival
most environments with >50% humidity and organic debris
What are other important flea species
dog flea, stickfast flea, human flea, rate flea, chigoe flea
What are traditional flea control methods
treat both pet and environment
frequent cleaning of bedding and surroundings
What are modern flea control method
Topical and oral
- fipronil - frontline, imidacloprid - advantage, selamectin - revolution, fluralaner - bravecto
Why do flea treatments sometimes fail
insecticide resistance
incorrect application or poor environmental management
How could you reduce flea transmission without insecticide
vacuuming and washing bedding
regulation humidity levels
using flea traps or natural predators
