Parasitology Basic Terms Flashcards
Egg
Product of sexual reproduction by adult worms, contains embryonated prelarval form
Symbiosis
A relationship of distinct organisms (species) in close association with one another
Cyst
Dormant stage found encysted in host (intermediate or definitive)
Miracidium
Alternative name for larvae
Cyst, Hydatid
Specialized cysticercal form of the cestode Echinococcus grandulosus found in the intermediate host
Rhabditiform
Alternative name for larvae
Mutualism
Symbiosis that benefits both organisms
Incidental (accidental) host
Host is not an obligate part of the parasite life cycle
Metacercaria
Alternative name for larvae
Sporocyst
Alternative name for larvae
Unicellular endoparasite
protozoan
Microfilariae
Alternative name for larvae
Cercaria
Alternative name for larvae
Larva
Immature post-ovum (pre-adult) form
Incidence
new infections in a susceptible population per unit of time
Cysticercus
Encysted cestode larval form in tissues of infected intermediate hosts (humans/pork tapeworm)
Parasitism
Symbiosis that benefits organism and is harmful for the other (parasite vs host)
Intermediate host
Host in which asexual reproduction or development occurs
Schistosomula
Alternative name for larvae
Definitive host
Host in which the sexual stage of a parasite life cycle occurs
Epidemiology
the study of the factors and conditions that control disease transmission
Multicellular worms
helminths
Prevalence
disease intensity in a given area (% susceptible population), sporadic vs endemic vs epidemic
Geographic distribution
the maximum global extent of a disease regardless of intensity
Vector host
A host species that transmits an infectious form of the parasite to another host species
Filariform (infectious)
Alternative name for larvae
Reservoir host
Animal hosts that maintain the natural cycle in the wild, often are not really harmed by the carriage
Commensal
Symbiosis that benefits one organism and is neutral for the other
