Veterinary Parasitology Study Notes

A set of flashcards to aid in the review of key concepts and facts in Veterinary Parasitology, specifically focusing on Protozoology.

What are the characteristics of protozoa?

Protozoa are diverse eukaryotic organisms that are single-celled, lack tissue differentiation, and move independently.

What is the key distinction between Prophyta and Protozoa?

Prophyta (plants) have a non-rigid, thin cell wall and are holophytic, while Protozoa have a rigid, thick cell wall and are holozoic or saprozoic.

What are the types of nutrition for protozoa?

Holophytic, Holozoic, Saprozoic, Autotrophic.

What is the primary mode of movement for flagellates?

Flagellates move via a whip-like filamentous structure called a flagellum.

Name the four morphological forms of Trypanosoma.

Amastigote, Promastigote, Epimastigote, Trypanomastigote.

What is meant by 'gametogony' in protozoan reproduction?

Gametogony is the process of gamete formation.

How does sexual reproduction occur in protozoa?

Sexual reproduction typically involves conjugation or syngamy, leading to the formation of zygotes.

What is Trypanosoma brucei known to cause?

Trypanosoma brucei is the causative agent of Nagana, a disease in livestock.

How does Trypanosoma cruzi infect humans?

It is transmitted to humans by kissing bugs, which excrete infective forms in their feces.

What disease does Toxoplasma gondii cause?

Toxoplasmosis.

What is the primary method of transmission for Toxoplasmosis?

Congenital transmission, ingestion of contaminated food or water, or contact with cat feces.

What is Eimeria associated with in poultry?

Eimeria causes coccidiosis in poultry, leading to enteritis.

What characterizes the life cycle of Plasmodium?

It has a complex life cycle involving a human host and a mosquito vector, with sporozoites, merozoites, and gametocytes as key stages.

What symptoms are linked to Babesia infections in cattle?

Symptoms include high fever, anemia, and hemoglobinuria.

Name a preventive measure against trypanosomosis.

Controlling the population of the vector flies and using insecticides or vaccines.

What is the general pathogenic effect of protozoan infections?

Infections often absorb nutrients, destroy tissues, produce toxins, and interfere with metabolism.

What is the significance of antigenic variation in trypanosomiasis?

It allows Trypanosomes to evade the immune response and complicates vaccine development.

What role do vectors play in the transmission of protozoan parasites?

Vectors, typically arthropods, facilitate the cyclical development and transmission of parasites to their vertebrate hosts.