Parasitology

• What is a parasite?

  A parasite lives on or in a host
• What are the two types of parasites based on their location?

  Ectoparasite and endoparasite
• What does the host provide to a parasite?

  Protection, ecological niche, and nutrients
• What is the relationship between parasites and their host species?

  Parasites depend on host species for survival
• What are the main characteristics of true parasites?

  • Cannot survive outside the host
  • Cause pathology or side effects
  • Often have multiple life cycle stages
• What are the types of hosts in a parasite's life cycle?

  Definitive, intermediate, and reservoir hosts
• What is a definitive host?

  Host where sexual reproduction occurs
• What is an intermediate host?

  Host that supports part of the lifecycle
• What is the role of a reservoir host?

  Aids in the transmission of parasites
• How do parasites gain entry to their definitive host?

  Through direct ingestion or vertical transmission
• What is a vector species?

  A biting insect that transmits parasites
• How do vectors facilitate parasite transmission?

  By providing a direct route to the bloodstream
• Which insects are examples of vectors?

  Ticks, tsetse flies, and mosquitoes
• What are the main types of parasites affecting human health?

  • Endoparasites: Protozoa and Metazoa (helminths)
  • Ectoparasites: Ticks and lice
• What is the lifecycle duration of threadworm/pinworm?

  1. 6 weeks
• Where do pinworms attach in the host?

  To the lumen of the small intestine
• What symptom do pinworms cause at night?

  Intense itching around the anus
• How are pinworm eggs transmitted?

  Through the faecal-oral route
• What is the method for diagnosing pinworm infection?

  Direct observation of worms or eggs
• What is the treatment for pinworm infection?

  Mebendazole, often with a second dose
• What is the most common tapeworm in the UK?

  Taenia spp.
• How is tapeworm infection transmitted?

  Ingestion of cysts in pork or beef
• What is the pathology associated with Taenia solium?

  Can cause cysticercosis in human muscles
• What is the diagnosis method for tapeworm infection?

  Wet mount of faecal sample
• What is the treatment for Taeniasis?

  One dose of Praziquantel or Albendazole
• How do hookworms enter the host?

  Through surface contact with the skin
• What are the symptoms of hookworm infection?

  Intense itching, abdominal pain, and fatigue
• What is the diagnosis method for hookworm infection?

  Wet mount of faecal sample
• What are the main protozoans important for human health?

  Crytosporidium, Giardia, Entamoeba, Trichomonas, Trypanosoma
• What is the transmission route for Cryptosporidium spp.?

  Faecal-oral route via contaminated water
• What is the pathology associated with Cryptosporidium spp.?

  Mild to profuse diarrhoea, especially in immunocompromised
• What is the treatment for Cryptosporidium spp. infection?

  Rehydration therapy and sometimes nitazoxanide
• How does Giardia lamblia transmit?

  Through faecal-oral route via hardy cysts
• What are the symptoms of Giardiasis?

  Abdominal pain, fatty diarrhoea, and vomiting
• What drugs are effective against Giardia lamblia?

  Metronidazole, tinidazole, and nitazoxanide
• What is the lifecycle of Entamoeba histolytica?

  Includes cysts and trophozoites in stools
• What can E. histolytica cause in the host?

  Amoebic colitis and severe dysentery
• What is the treatment for E. histolytica infection?

  Depends on the severity of the infection
• What is the role of vectors in disease transmission?

  Vectors transmit parasites to hosts
• How do parasites impact public health?

  They infect millions and cause diseases