Protozoan Parasites

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to protozoan parasites, their life cycles, and epidemiology.

Entamoeba histolytica

Protozoan parasite that causes intestinal disease and can lead to amoebic dysentery.

Cyst

The dormant form of a protozoan, typically comprising multiple nuclei and a protective wall.

Trophozoite

The active, motile feeding form of a protozoan parasite.

Binary fission

A method of reproduction in which a single organism divides into two or more parts.

Excystation

The process of a cyst reverting to its active trophozoite stage after ingestion.

Giardia lamblia

Protozoan parasite that causes giardiasis, characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms.

Oocyst

The cyst form of protozoa in the Apicomplexa group, containing sporozoites.

Cryptosporidium parvum

Protozoan parasite responsible for cryptosporidiosis, often associated with waterborne outbreaks.

Balantidium coli

Ciliated protozoan that can cause balantidiasis, primarily associated with pigs.

Prevalence

The proportion of individuals in a population having a particular disease at a given time.

Asymptomatic

A condition where the host shows no symptoms despite being infected.

Reservoir

An organism or environment that harbors a pathogen and serves as a source of infection.

Fecal-oral route

Transmission pathway where pathogens are ingested through contaminated food or water.

Personal hygiene

Practices that maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases.

Sporozoite

The motile stage that penetrates the host's cells in Apicomplexa parasites.

Immunocompromised

A state in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious diseases is reduced.