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Clinical Microbiology
Parasitology
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Cards (122)
Why is vector distribution important in parasitic disease?
It affects
host interactions
and
disease spread
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What are the two main types of human infective pathogens discussed?
Metazoan
and
protozoan
pathogens
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What is the relationship between parasites and their hosts?
Parasites depend on hosts for
survival
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What are ectoparasites and endoparasites?
Ectoparasites live on
hosts
; endoparasites live in hosts
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How do parasites affect their hosts?
They have a
detrimental
effect on host health
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What is the significance of multiple life cycle stages in parasites?
They often require multiple
hosts
for survival
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What is a definitive host?
The host where
sexual reproduction
occurs
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What is a reservoir host?
Aids in
transmission
without being harmed
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What are the methods parasites use to enter their definitive host?
Direct ingestion,
vertical transmission
, or
vectors
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What is a vector species?
A biting
insect
that
transmits
parasites
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How do vectors transmit parasites to hosts?
By biting and taking a
blood meal
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Which insects are examples of vectors?
Ticks
,
tsetse flies
, and mosquitoes
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Why are parasites a concern for public health?
They infect
millions
and cause significant
burden
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What makes parasites difficult to treat?
Complex
virulence
mechanisms and
eukaryotic
cells
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What are the two main categories of parasites?
Endoparasites
and
ectoparasites
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What are protozoa?
Single-celled
microscopic
organisms
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What are metazoans?
Multicellular
organisms excluding
sponges
and
protozoa
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What is the lifecycle duration of pinworms?
6 weeks
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How do pinworms cause itching?
They exit the
anus
and lay eggs
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What is the “cellotape method” used for?
Identifying
pinworm eggs
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What is the primary treatment for pinworm infection?
Mebendazole
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What is the most common tapeworm in the UK?
Taenia spp.
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How do humans typically become infected with tapeworms?
By
ingesting
cysts
in
undercooked
meat
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What can Taenia solium cause in humans?
Cysticercosis
and
neurocysticercosis
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What is the treatment for taeniasis?
Praziquantel
or
Albendazole
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How do hookworms enter the human body?
Through skin contact with
contaminated
soil
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What are the symptoms of hookworm infection?
Itching
,
abdominal pain
, and
fatigue
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What is the primary treatment for hookworm infection?
Mebendazole
or
Albendazole
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What is the transmission route for Cryptosporidium spp.?
Faecal-oral
route via contaminated water
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What is Giardia lamblia known for?
Causing
gastrointestinal
infections
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What is the significance of sporozoites in Cryptosporidium spp.?
They are the invasive stages of the
parasite
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How do sporozoites infect the host?
By embedding into the gut wall
epithelium
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What makes Cryptosporidium spp. particularly resilient?
Thick walls of
sporulated
oocysts
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What are the key characteristics of protozoans and metazoans?
Protozoans:
Single-celled
organisms
No
division of labor
Undergo both sexual and
asexual
reproduction
Metazoans:
Multicellular organisms
Have organ systems and tissues
Mainly undergo sexual reproduction
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What are the lifecycle stages of pinworms and tapeworms?
Pinworms:
Attach to the
lumen
of the small intestine
Exit the
anus
to lay
eggs
Eggs are sticky and infective within 6 hours
Tapeworms
:
Ingested as cysts in undercooked
meat
Attach to the intestinal tract
Lay eggs in the
environment
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What are the common diagnostic methods for parasitic infections?
Direct observation
of worms
Identification of eggs using the
cellotape method
Wet mount
of faecal samples
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What are the treatment options for common parasitic infections?
Pinworm
:
Mebendazole
Tapeworm
:
Praziquantel
or
Albendazole
Hookworm
: Mebendazole or Albendazole
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What are the main impacts of parasites on human health?
Cause significant
medical burden
High
epidemiological
importance
Affect both poor and wealthy
countries
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What are the key factors contributing to the complexity of parasitic diseases?
Multifactorial
transmission
Complex
virulence
mechanisms
Eukaryotic nature of parasites
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What are the primary reservoirs for Cryptosporidium spp.?
Cattle
are a major reservoir
Contaminated water sources
Faecal-oral
transmission
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