Parasitic Infections Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to parasitic infections.

Loiasis

A parasitic infection caused by the worm Loa loa, characterized by the presence of eye worms.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis

A severe infection of the cornea caused by Acanthamoeba, often associated with improper contact lens hygiene.

Toxoplasma gondii

An obligate intracellular parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis, primarily transmitted through undercooked meat or contact with infected cat feces.

Onchocerciasis

A filarial infection caused by Onchocerca volvulus, often leading to river blindness.

Definitive host

The host that harbors the organism in its adult form, where sexual reproduction occurs.

Intermediate host

The host that harbors the organism in its larval stage, allowing for asexual replication.

Zoonosis

A parasitic disease primarily seen in vertebrates that is transmissible to humans.

Parasitism

A relationship in which one organism benefits at the expense of another.

Ectoparasite

A parasite that lives on the surface of the host's skin.

Endoparasite

A parasite that lives inside the body of the host.

Granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE)

A rare but often fatal infection of the brain caused by Acanthamoeba.

Toxoplasmosis

An infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which can lead to flu-like symptoms and severe complications in immunocompromised individuals.

Trypanosoma cruzi

The causative agent of Chagas disease, transmitted by the kissign bug.

Malaria

A parasitic infection caused by Plasmodium species, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, known for its cyclic flu-like symptoms.

Hematogenous transmission

Spread of parasitic infections within a host through the bloodstream.

Romana's sign

Swelling around the eye associated with Chagas disease due to Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Visceral larval migrans (VLM)

A condition caused by Toxocara larvae migration within the body, often leading to organ involvement.

Calabar swelling

Localized, non-tender swellings due to Loa loa infection, typically on limbs near joints.

SclerosING keratitis

An inflammatory condition of the cornea associated with Onchocerca volvulus infection.

Blepharitis

Inflammation of the eyelid often caused by Demodex mite infestation.