Protist diseases

• What type of organisms are protists?

  Single-celled eukaryotic organisms
• How do protists differ from bacteria?

  Protists have a nucleus and organelles
• What are the characteristics of protists as pathogens?

  • Eukaryotic cells with nucleus and organelles
  • Mostly single-celled, some form colonies
  • Some are parasites causing harm
  • Often require a vector for spread
• What are the modes of transmission for protist diseases?

  • Vector Transmission: Malaria (mosquitoes)
  • Contaminated Water: Amoebic dysentery (dirty water)
  • Direct Contact: Some parasitic infections
• What is the pathogen that causes malaria?

  Plasmodium
• How is malaria transmitted?

  Spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes
• What is the lifecycle of Plasmodium in malaria?

  1. Mosquito bites infected person, picks up Plasmodium
  2. Mosquito bites another person, injects Plasmodium
  3. Plasmodium infects red blood cells and liver cells
• What are the symptoms of malaria?

  Fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, headaches
• What are the prevention methods for malaria?

  • Mosquito nets to prevent bites
  • Insecticides to kill mosquitoes
  • Draining stagnant water to reduce breeding
• What is the treatment for malaria?

  Antimalarial drugs like quinine
• Where is malaria a serious health problem?

  In tropical areas like Africa and Asia
• What is the pathogen that causes amoebic dysentery?

  Entamoeba histolytica
• How is amoebic dysentery transmitted?

  By drinking contaminated water or food
• What are the symptoms of amoebic dysentery?

  Severe diarrhoea, stomach pain, dehydration
• What are the prevention methods for amoebic dysentery?

  • Drinking clean water
  • Good hygiene and sanitation
• What is the pathogen that causes downy mildew?

  Plasmopara viticola
• How is downy mildew transmitted?

  Spread by water and wind
• What are the symptoms of downy mildew?

  Yellow spots on leaves, stunted growth
• What are the prevention methods for downy mildew?

  • Remove infected leaves
  • Improve air circulation
  • Use fungicides
• How does the body defend against protist infections?

  1. Skin Barrier – Prevents entry
  2. Stomach Acid – Destroys ingested protists
  3. White Blood Cells – Attack infected cells
  4. Antibodies – Help destroy infections
• Why are protist diseases harder to treat than bacterial diseases?

  Protists are eukaryotic cells like human cells
• What are the methods for preventing and treating protist diseases?

  • Vector Control: Kill mosquitoes (Malaria)
  • Good Hygiene: Wash hands (Amoebic dysentery)
  • Safe Drinking Water: Purify water (Amoebic dysentery)
  • Fungicides for Plants: Prevent spread (Downy mildew)
• What are the key exam points about protists?

  • Protists are single-celled eukaryotic organisms
  • Some are parasites living inside hosts
  • Common transmission methods: water, vectors, direct contact
  • Examples: Malaria, Amoebic dysentery, Downy mildew
  • Prevention includes vector control, hygiene, fungicides
  • Treatment requires antiprotozoal drugs, not antibiotics