Understanding Parasitism and Symbiotic Relationships

Symbiosis

A close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms.

Commensalism

A type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Mutualism

A type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Parasitism

A type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

Hosts

Organisms that harbor parasites.

Ectoparasites

Parasites that live on the external surface of a host.

Endoparasites

Parasites that live inside the host's body.

Facultative parasites

Parasites that can live independently of their host.

Obligate parasites

Parasites that cannot live outside of their host.

Permanent parasites

Parasites that remain in or on the host for their entire life cycle.

Intermittent parasites

Parasites that do not remain on the host continuously.

Incidental parasites

Parasites that are not normally found in a particular host.

Transitory parasites

Parasites that are temporary and do not establish a permanent relationship with the host.

Erratic parasites

Parasites that are found in an unusual location in the host.

Definitive hosts

Hosts in which the parasite reaches maturity and reproduces.

Intermediate hosts

Hosts that harbor the parasite during its immature stages.

Reservoir hosts

Hosts that harbor the parasite and serve as a source of infection for other hosts.

Paratenic hosts

Hosts that are not essential for the parasite's development but can help in its transmission.

Modes of Transmission

The various ways parasites are transmitted from one host to another.

Pathogenesis

The dynamics of any disease process caused by parasites.

Specimen Collection

The proper way of collecting and handling specimens for laboratory analysis.

Microscopic Examination

A laboratory procedure used to identify parasites in specimens.