Medical Parasitology Flashcards
1
Q
Define the following terms
- ANTHROPONOTIC
- ZOONOTIC
- VECTOR BORNE
- PRIMARY HOST
A
- Transmitted from human to human
- Transmitted from animal reservoir
- Transmitted by a carrier
- Site of parasitic sexual reproduction
2
Q
What are the two classifications for parasites?
A
TROPICAL
TEMPERATE
3
Q
What are the signs of pinworms?
A
Anal itching at night
Weight loss
Irritated skin
4
Q
Describe cycle of infection for pinworms.
A
- Unintentional inhalation of pinworm eggs
- Remain in intestine until they mature
- Female pinworms lay eggs at anal skins causing itching
- Upon scratching, eggs can transfer to fingers
5
Q
What is the main advice for pinworm infections?
A
- Regular handwashing
- Disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces
- Ensure children wear underwear at night
- Wash sleepwear, sheets, towels etc.
6
Q
How is a pinworm infection diagnosed?
A
- Sellotape test - sticky end pressed against skin around anus
- Eggs stick to tape
6
Q
What is the main treatment for pinworms?
A
- Mebendazole
- Initial dose followed by second dose 2-3 weeks later
- Ointment to soothe itching skin
7
Q
What are whipworms?
A
- Eggs passed in faeces of infected persons
- Common in humid climates/areas with poor hygiene and sanitation
- Occurs in children
7
Q
Define infection cycle of whipworms.
A
- Eggs hatch in small intestine and develop in its walls
- Thinner end burrows into large intestine
- Thicker end projects into lumen and mates with other worms
- Causes TDS - treated with albendazole
8
Q
Define Trichomoniasis
A
- Protozoa
- Infects urogenital tracts
- Common STI
9
Q
Describe Giardia lamblia
A
- Flagellated - colonises small intestine
- Ventral adhesive discs allows attachment to epithelium
- Reproduces via binary fission
- Remains confined to lumen of small intestine
10
Q
Define cryptosporidium
A
- Chlorine resistant
- Linked to drinking and swimming in contaminated water
- Causes watery diarrhoea
11
Q
Describe toxoplasma
A
- No obvious symptoms in adults
- May cause mild flu-like symptoms and eye problems
- Very severe in immunosuppressed patients
12
Q
Give the two groups of human parasitic worms.
A
- FLATWORMS - Platyhelminths - separate into trematodes and cestodes
- ROUNDWORMS - Nematodes
13
Q
Describe ascaris
A
- Infects oral-faecal route
- Eggs ingested causing release and migration of larvae
- Worms mature in upper GI