KAI Trematodes & Protozoa Parasites

What are trematodes commonly known as?

Flukes

Describe the shape and structure of trematodes.

They are flat, leaf-shaped worms with one or two simple suckers.

What is the function of the oral sucker in trematodes?

To take in nutrients and excrete waste material.

What is the purpose of the ventral sucker in trematodes?

For attachment.

Do trematodes require intermediate hosts?

Yes, they always require intermediate hosts, sometimes more than one.

Where are trematodes more common, LA or SA?

More common in LA (Latin America) than SA (South America).

What do the eggs of trematodes usually possess?

One operculum.

What are the two methods for diagnosing trematode infections?

Fecal sedimentation and flotation.

What is the first larval stage of trematodes called?

Miracidium.

What is the second larval stage of trematodes?

Cercaria.

What is a metacercaria?

An encysted cercaria, not found in all flukes.

What is Paragonimus kellicotti commonly known as?

Lung fluke.

Who are the final hosts for Paragonimus kellicotti?

Dogs, cats, other carnivores, and humans.

What is the first intermediate host for Paragonimus kellicotti?

Snail.

What is the second intermediate host for Paragonimus kellicotti?

Crayfish.

Describe the lifecycle of Paragonimus kellicotti starting from ova in feces.

Ova in feces contaminate water, develop into cercaria, eaten by snail, develop into miracidium within snail, crayfish ingests snail, develops into metacercaria, final or paratenic host ingests crayfish.

What are the clinical signs of Paragonimus kellicotti infection?

Coughing and respiratory issues with a heavy load.

What diagnostic methods can be used for Paragonimus kellicotti?

Cysts visible on radiographs and looking for eggs in feces or sputum.

What is the control method for Paragonimus kellicotti?

Prevent animals from eating crayfish or paratenic hosts.

What is the zoonotic potential of Paragonimus kellicotti?

Can live up to 20 years in humans and causes symptoms like fever, cough, and weight loss, may be misdiagnosed as tuberculosis.

What type of fluke is Nanophyetus salmincola?

Small intestine fluke.

Who are the final hosts for Nanophyetus salmincola?

Dogs, cats, raccoons, and other carnivores.

What serves as the first intermediate host for Nanophyetus salmincola?

Snail.

What is the second intermediate host for Nanophyetus salmincola?

Salmon.

What is the impact of Nanophyetus salmincola on its final host?

The fluke itself is nonpathogenic to the final host.

What is a potential issue associated with Nanophyetus salmincola?

It carries the bacteria Neorickettsia helminthoeca.

What are the clinical signs of Nanophyetus salmincola infection in dogs?

High fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What is the mortality rate in dogs infected with Nanophyetus salmincola?

90% mortality rate due to 'salmon poisoning'.

How can cooking or freezing salmon affect bacteria from Nanophyetus salmincola?

It kills the bacteria.

What is the final host for Toxoplasma gondii?

Cat.

Who are the intermediate hosts for Toxoplasma gondii?

Several species, including humans.

Where can adults of Toxoplasma gondii encyst?

In respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems.

What percentage of cats are estimated to be infected with Toxoplasma gondii?

Approximately 45%.

How are oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii passed into the environment?

Through cat feces.

How long does it take for oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii to become infective?

1-5 days.

What can happen if a human acts as an intermediate host for Toxoplasma gondii?

They can experience milder symptoms, but there are serious risks for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.

What is the clinical significance of Toxoplasma gondii in a fetus?

Can lead to jaundice, splenomegaly, anemia, and developmental disabilities; the danger is significant for pregnant women.

What is an important control measure for Toxoplasma gondii?

Prevent predatory behavior in cats.

What is the common final host for Giardia spp.?

Dogs, cats, birds, and humans.

What type of transmission does Giardia spp. utilize?

Fecal-oral transmission.

Describe the special developmental form of Giardia spp.

Trophozoite, which is pear-shaped, flagellated, with twin nuclei.

What happens to Giardia spp. cysts once ingested by a new host?

Each cyst produces 2 trophozoites.

What are common clinical signs of Giardia spp. infection?

Vomiting, diarrhea, and dysentery.

What are common diagnostic methods for Giardia spp. infection?

Finding trophozoites on fecal smear and cysts via fecal float.

What are the treatment options for Giardia spp.?

Antibiotics like Metronidazole or Fenbendazole.

What sanitation measure is important for controlling Giardia spp.?

Proper sanitation is key.

Is Giardia spp. zoonotic?

Yes, it can spread via fecal-oral route, contaminated food, or water.

What is a cyst in the context of protozoal parasites?

A form incapable of movement that helps parasites survive outside a host's body.

Define trophozoite.

The activated, feeding stage of protozoal parasites.

What are some characteristics of oocysts in protozoal parasites?

Rigid-walled cyst stage that can be involved in their lifecycle.

What distinguishes Cystoisospora spp. from Eimeria?

Eimeria cannot reach adulthood in cats and dogs.

What is the final host for Cystoisospora spp.?

Dogs and cats.

What is the lifecycle type for Cystoisospora spp.?

Direct lifecycle with both asexual and sexual reproduction.

What are the common clinical signs of Cystoisospora spp. infection?

Diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, and poor hair coat.

What does a positive test for Cystoisospora spp. oocysts imply?

There can be positive tests while showing no clinical signs.

What is the treatment for Cystoisospora spp.?

A specific type of antibiotics.

What are the control measures for preventing Cystoisospora spp. outbreaks?

Disinfect cages with ammonia; they are resistant to many cleaners.