Parasitology Flashcards
What causes Amebieasis?
Entamoeba Histolytica
What type of parasite is Entamoeba Histolytica?
Protozoan
What is the infective stage of Amebiasis?
Cysts
Describe the main symptoms of Entamoeba?
Dysentry - amebic colitis
Severe/chronic infections may lead to further Cx including formation of amebic granulomas
Where does Entamoeba form accesses?
Liver
Lung/brain/skin/genitalia often observed
Diagnosis of Entamoeba?
Identification of cysts and trophozoites in the stool
What can Entamoeba histolytic mimic on Endoscopy?
IBD
What is the treatment for invasive Amoebiasis?
Metronidazole
Need Paromomycin to eradicate cysts
What is the causative organism of Giardiasis?
Giardia duodenalis - protozoan flagellate
What is the infective stage of Giardia?
Cysts
What are some features of Giardia cysts?
They are hardy and can survive several months in cold water
Does Giardia affect small or large bowel?
Small
How does Giardia multiply?
Longitiiudinal binary fission
What are the symptoms of Giardiasis?
Diarrhoea and abdominal pain
Bloating
Nausea and vomiting
Malapsortion and debilitation can occur in chronic infection
What is the main diagnosis method for Giardia?
Identification of cysts or trophozoites in the stool
There is a direct immunofluorescene assay
What is the treatment for Giardia?
Metronidazole
Other options - Albendazole, Nitanoxianide
What leads to failure of eradication of Giardia? (4)
Poor compliance with meds
Reinfection
Drug resistance
Underlying immunodeficiency
What is the infectious stage of Cryptosporidium?
Cysts
Method ot transmission of Cryptosporidium?
Drinking water contaminated with cysts
Who does Cryptosporidium most commonly infect?
Children
What is tricky about cryptospordium oocysts?
Thick walled OocystResistant to chlorination
Small enough to pass through filter
Can survive for years in cold water
What is the clinical presentation of Cryptosporidium?
Water diarrhoea
Most common cause of diarrhoea in children?
Rotavirus
Second - Cryptosporidium
What is the treatment of Cryptosporidium?
Nitazoxinide or Paromomycin
Azithro - less effective
Diagnosis method for Cryptosporidium?
Immunofuorescence microscopy
Or Immunofluorescence microscopy
What is the causative organism of Toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasma Gondii
What is the definitive host for Toxoplasma Gondii?
Cats