Parasitology Flashcards
endoparasite CS
diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, coughing, lethargy, weight loss, bloated belly, scooting
prevention/treatment for parasites
anti-parasitic meds, clean environment, common sense hygiene
parasite transmission
fecal-oral, transdermal, transplacental, transmammary
parasite risk factors
young animals (immature immune system, transplacental and transmammary infection routes), immunocompromised (geriatrics, chronic disease)
parasite definition
an organism that feeds/lives on or in another host organism to the detriment of the host
where will you find adult parasites in a definitive host?
in the target organ
larvated
near completion of development
morulated
zygote has gone through a few cell divisions
bipolar plugs
thick caps found at opposite ends of egg
operculum
egg cap from which larvae emerge from the egg
what are the types of hosts for parasites?
definitive host (DH): harbors sexually mature form of parasite, direct and indirect life cycles
intermediate host (IH): harbors immature form, indirect life cycles
accidental host: dead end, no maturation/reproduction occurs, can see disease
paratenic host: harbors parasite and passes it on, no maturation/reproduction occurs
commensal organisms
benefit by living on or within another organism without injury to the host
symbiotic relationship
two organisms mutually benefit from their association
nyctotherus
ciliated protozoan found in chelonians (turtles) and some lizards
symbiotic
balantidium and buxtonella sulcatta
ciliated protozoan in ruminants (symbiotic)
balantidium can be pathogenic when invasive or in species specific
sachcaromyces yeast
in lagomorphs and guinea pigs
symbiotic
what are the different parasite life cycles?
direct and indirect
what happens in the direct parasite life cycle?
reproduction occurs in DH
adult worms reproduce and eggs are laid in environment, egg larva mature in stages to become infective (L3)
what happens in the indirect parasite life cycle?
requires 1 or more IH
L1 eaten by IH and continues developing stages, then IH is eaten or bites DH (heartworm)
what are the different parasite groups?
helminths and protozoans
what are some examples of helminth parasites?
nematedes (roundworms), cestodes (segmented flatworms), trematodes (unsegmented flatworms), acanthocephalins
