Parasitology Review Flashcards

These flashcards cover vocabulary related to parasitology, focusing on the major concepts, terms, and definitions relevant to pathogenic protozoa and helminths.

Parasitology

The study of parasites and their effects on hosts.

Protozoa

Single-celled eukaryotic organisms that can cause diseases in humans and animals.

Helminths

Multicellular eukaryotic worms that can be pathogenic to humans.

Trophozoite

The actively feeding form of protozoa.

Cyst

A dormant stage of protozoa that allows survival under adverse conditions.

Sarcodina

A major group of protozoa that move by extensions of cytoplasm called pseudopods.

Mastigophora

Flagellated protozoa that move using whip-like tails called flagella.

Ciliata

Ciliated protozoa that move by hair-like extensions called cilia.

Sporozoa

Non-motile parasitic protozoa that are obligate intracellular parasites.

Eukarya

The domain that includes all eukaryotic life forms, including protozoa and helminths.

Platyhelminthes

A phylum of flatworms, including trematodes (flukes) and cestodes (tapeworms).

Nematoda

A phylum of roundworms, characterized by a cylindrical body shape.

Proglottids

Segments of a tapeworm's body that often contain eggs.

Copulation

The act of mating, involving the union of male and female gametes.

Immunocompromised

Individuals with weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections.

Ascariasis

Infection caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, commonly resulting from ingestion of eggs in contaminated soil.

Trichuriasis

Infection caused by Trichuris trichiura, or whipworms.

Malaria

A disease caused by Plasmodium species, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes.

Toxoplasmosis

Infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, often transmitted through contact with cat feces or undercooked meat.

Trypanosomiasis

A disease also known as sleeping sickness, caused by Trypanosoma species.

Chagas’ Disease

A form of trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, often transmitted by the kissing bug.

Dysentery

An intestinal infection causing severe diarrhea, often associated with amoebiasis.

Fomites

Objects or materials likely to carry infection, such as clothing, utensils, and furniture.