Protozoan revision Flashcards
What are some features of protozoa?
Small
Short generation times
High rates of reproduction
Induce immunity to reinfection in hosts that survive
What are two examples of protozoan parasites that infect human intestine?
Giardia, Cryptosporidium
What are two examples of protozoan parasites that cause systemic infection in humans?
Toxoplasma, Leishmania
What is a definitive host?
Where the parasite reaches sexual maturity
What is an intermediate host?
Required by the parasite to complete its life cycle, usually undergoes morphological/physiological change
What is a paratenic host?
An optional transport host, no detectable morphological change in parasite
What is a vector?
A host that plays an active role in transmission; can be a definitive or intermediate host
What is a unique feature of protozoan parasites?
Their mega- and micro-nucleus, found in ciliates and the kinetoplastids
