SET 5 — PROTOZOA, ECTOPARASITES & HELMINTHS

Protozoa

 One-celled microorganisms classified as animals.

What do protozoa seek?

Locations with nutrients, warmth, and moisture.

Where can protozoa be found?

 Decayed materials, contaminated water, contaminated food, animal/bird feces, and insect bites.

Dysentery

An intestinal infection causing abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea.

Trichomoniasis

 A sexually transmitted genital infection caused by a protozoan.

Toxoplasmosis

An infection that can pass to an unborn child and cause serious complications.

Pneumocystis pneumonia

A common cause of death among AIDS patients.

Malaria

A disease caused by a parasite that attacks red blood cells.

What causes malaria?

 The Plasmodium parasite.

How is malaria spread?

Mosquitoes.

Malaria symptoms

Periodic chills, fever, and sweating.

I can have flagella

Protozoa

Ectoparasite

A parasite that lives on the external surface of the body.

Where can ectoparasites live?

Skin, hair, or nails.

Examples of ectoparasites

Fleas, ticks, lice, mites, and mosquitoes.

How are diseases from ectoparasites commonly transmitted?

 Through bites

Diseases associated with ectoparasites

Typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and malaria.

Helminths

 Parasitic worms.

Examples of helminths

Roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes.

Helminth infections

 Can be mild, asymptomatic, or severe.

Severe helminth infections can cause

Malnutrition, anemia, and organ damage.

Helminth transmission

 Ingestion, skin penetration, or insect bites.