Parasitology Flashcards
Define parasitism
An interaction where only one organisms benefits to the detriment of the other
Define mutualism
An interaction where both organisms of different species benefit
Define commensalism
An interaction where only one organism benefits but not to the detriment of the other
Define facultative parasite
A parasite that may survive in the absence of a host
Define obligate parasite
During one stage of their life cycle they cannot survive without a host
Define endoparasite
A parasite that lives internally in a host
Define ectoparasite
A parasite that lives on the surface of a host
Define definitive host
The host which the parasite sexually reproduces in
Define intermediate host
The host which the parasite uses but doesn’t sexually reproduce in
Define permissive host
A host not usually used by the parasite but still favours the life cycle completion
Define non-permissive host
A host that the parasite cannot use to complete its life cycle
Define reservoir host
A temporary host used in the absence of a natural host
Define paratenic host
A host used for transport
Define biological vector
An organism that carries a parasite
Define mechanical vector
A vector which mechanically spreads the parasite but is not used in its life cycle
Define direct life cycle
Parasitic stages only occur in one host
Define indirect life cycle
An intermediate host in needed for development
State four parasitic phyla
- Microspora
- Apicomplexa
- Ciliophora
- Myxozoa
State 6 portals of entry that a parasite could take into the body
- Mouth
- Eyes
- Skin
- Sexual
- Congenital
- Inhalation
How can microscopy of blood identify some blood parasites?
Can be changes in shapes, sizes and colours of red blood cells if parasite is inside them. Or specific parasitic worms can be seen moving through the blood plasma
What technique can be used to count parasitic eggs in fecal samples?
McMaster
What is the taxonomy name for the canine heartworm?
Dirofilaria immitus
What is the life cycle of the canine heart worm? (5)
- Microscopic larvae in an infected hosts blood produced by adult parasites
- A mosquito bites the victim
- Larvae develop in the mosquito mouth parts
- Mosquito bites an animal and the parasite enters the bite wound
- Parasite migrates through tissues to vessels and mature
Where does the L3 stage of canine heartworm disease occur?
In the mosquito mouth parts