Week 2 - EPIZOOTIOLOGY OF PARASITIC DISEASES / microscopy of parasitic stages Flashcards
What is epizootiology?
The study of factors influencing the occurrence and spread of animal diseases
Define parasitosis.
An infection or infestation caused by parasites, regardless of clinical symptoms.
Differentiate between ectoparasites and endoparasites.
Ectoparasites live on or in the skin; endoparasites reside in internal organs
What are monoxenic parasites?
Parasites with one obligatory host species.
Define zoonotic disease
A disease transmissible between animals and humans.
Name transmission routes for zoonotic parasites.
Vector-borne, waterborne, fecal-oral transmission, contaminated meat.
What is pathogenicity?
The ability of a parasite to cause disease.
Explain passive infection.
Ingestion or inhalation of parasite forms; e.g., fecal-oral contamination.
Describe innate immune system functions in parasitic infections.
Non-specific defense including physical barriers, inflammation, and cellular responses (e.g., phagocytosis).
What are vector-borne parasites?
Parasites transferred by vectors like fleas, ticks, mosquitoes.
Give examples of parasites transmitted through contaminated meat
Toxoplasma, Trichinella, Taenia.
What is antigenic variation in parasites?
Parasites change their surface antigens to evade immune detection (e.g., Trypanosoma).
What are pseudoparasites?
Non-parasitic substances that resemble parasite stages (e.g., plant fibers, animal hairs).
Name the basic criteria for differentiating helminth eggs.
Size, shape, shell structure, internal structure, and color.
Describe small, medium, and large helminth eggs.
Small: <60 μm, Medium: 60.1-100 μm, Large: 100.1-200 μm.
