L18 Protozoan Infections

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to protozoan infections and eukaryotic diseases as discussed in the lecture.

Protists

A diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms that include both unicellular and multicellular organisms.

Alveolates

A group of protists that are mostly single-celled and have a complex outer covering called the cortex.

Trypanosomes

Single-celled obligate parasites known for their complex life cycles and ability to cause serious diseases.

Amoebas

Single-celled heterotrophic organisms that use pseudopodia for movement and feeding.

Antigenic variation

The process by which pathogens change their surface antigens to evade the host immune response.

Malaria

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

Naegleria fowleri

A free-living amoeba known as the 'brain-eating amoeba,' which can cause severe CNS infections.

Cyst

A dormant, resistant form of an organism that can survive in adverse environmental conditions.

Trophozoite

The active, growing form of a protozoan, which is capable of feeding and causing disease.

Chagas’ disease

A disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, often transmitted by triatomine bugs, leading to serious cardiac issues.