Parasitology

    Cards (122)

    • Why is vector distribution important in parasitic disease?
      It affects host interactions and disease spread
    • What are the two main types of human infective pathogens discussed?
      Metazoan and protozoan pathogens
    • What is the relationship between parasites and their hosts?
      Parasites depend on hosts for survival
    • What are ectoparasites and endoparasites?
      Ectoparasites live on hosts; endoparasites live in hosts
    • How do parasites affect their hosts?
      They have a detrimental effect on host health
    • What is the significance of multiple life cycle stages in parasites?
      They often require multiple hosts for survival
    • What is a definitive host?
      The host where sexual reproduction occurs
    • What is a reservoir host?
      Aids in transmission without being harmed
    • What are the methods parasites use to enter their definitive host?
      Direct ingestion, vertical transmission, or vectors
    • What is a vector species?
      A biting insect that transmits parasites
    • How do vectors transmit parasites to hosts?
      By biting and taking a blood meal
    • Which insects are examples of vectors?
      Ticks, tsetse flies, and mosquitoes
    • Why are parasites a concern for public health?
      They infect millions and cause significant burden
    • What makes parasites difficult to treat?
      Complex virulence mechanisms and eukaryotic cells
    • What are the two main categories of parasites?
      Endoparasites and ectoparasites
    • What are protozoa?
      Single-celled microscopic organisms
    • What are metazoans?
      Multicellular organisms excluding sponges and protozoa
    • What is the lifecycle duration of pinworms?
      1. 6 weeks
    • How do pinworms cause itching?
      They exit the anus and lay eggs
    • What is the “cellotape method” used for?
      Identifying pinworm eggs
    • What is the primary treatment for pinworm infection?
      Mebendazole
    • What is the most common tapeworm in the UK?
      Taenia spp.
    • How do humans typically become infected with tapeworms?
      By ingesting cysts in undercooked meat
    • What can Taenia solium cause in humans?
      Cysticercosis and neurocysticercosis
    • What is the treatment for taeniasis?
      Praziquantel or Albendazole
    • How do hookworms enter the human body?
      Through skin contact with contaminated soil
    • What are the symptoms of hookworm infection?
      Itching, abdominal pain, and fatigue
    • What is the primary treatment for hookworm infection?
      Mebendazole or Albendazole
    • What is the transmission route for Cryptosporidium spp.?
      Faecal-oral route via contaminated water
    • What is Giardia lamblia known for?
      Causing gastrointestinal infections
    • What is the significance of sporozoites in Cryptosporidium spp.?
      They are the invasive stages of the parasite
    • How do sporozoites infect the host?
      By embedding into the gut wall epithelium
    • What makes Cryptosporidium spp. particularly resilient?
      Thick walls of sporulated oocysts
    • 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
    • What are the lifecycle stages of pinworms and tapeworms?
      Pinworms:
      1. Attach to the lumen of the small intestine
      2. Exit the anus to lay eggs
      3. Eggs are sticky and infective within 6 hours

      Tapeworms:
      1. Ingested as cysts in undercooked meat
      2. Attach to the intestinal tract
      3. Lay eggs in the environment
    • What are the common diagnostic methods for parasitic infections?
      1. Direct observation of worms
      2. Identification of eggs using the cellotape method
      3. Wet mount of faecal samples
    • What are the treatment options for common parasitic infections?
      • Pinworm: Mebendazole
      • Tapeworm: Praziquantel or Albendazole
      • Hookworm: Mebendazole or Albendazole
    • What are the main impacts of parasites on human health?
      • Cause significant medical burden
      • High epidemiological importance
      • Affect both poor and wealthy countries
    • What are the key factors contributing to the complexity of parasitic diseases?
      • Multifactorial transmission
      • Complex virulence mechanisms
      • Eukaryotic nature of parasites
    • What are the primary reservoirs for Cryptosporidium spp.?
      • Cattle are a major reservoir
      • Contaminated water sources
      • Faecal-oral transmission