VM 709- Parasitology (Families and Morphology)

What are the 3 main parasite groups (in the context of this class)?

1. Helminths

2. Arthropods

3. Protozoans

What are the 2 main groups of helminths?

1. Nemathelminthes (nematodes)

2. Platyhelminthes (trematodes, cestodes)

What is the classification of the structure of giardia?

Flagellate

What is the classification of the structure of trichomonas?

Axostyle

What is the classification of the structure of leishmania?

Kinetoplast

What are the 3 main organelles used for locomotion?

1. Pseudopodia

2. Flagella

3. Cilia

What is the life cycle stage “trophozoites”?

The stage of protozoa that feeds and multiplies

What is the life cycle stage “cysts”?

Protozoa have a protective membrane

Which life cycle stage in protozoans is typically associated with pathogenesis?

Trophozoites

What is the structure of platyhelminthes (flatworms)?

Dorsoventrally flattened

What are the 4 distinct groups of platyhelminthes?

1. Turbellaria

2. Monogenea

3. Trematoda

4. Cestoda

What organism is ALWAYS the first intermediate host for trematodes?

Snail

What is the main example of a species of cestode?

Tapeworm

How do trematodes digest food?

Blind sac w/ anterior mouth

Do tapeworms (cestodes) have a digestive system?

NO

Which part of the tapeworm allows it to “hold on” to the digestive structures of the host?

The scolex

How many hosts are typically involved in the tapeworm life cycle?

2

What are the main parts of the structure of nematodes?

1. Bilateral symmetry

2. Tapered at both ends

3. Pseudocoel (body cavity)

4. Complete digestive system

What is the definition of oviparous?

Egg-laying

What is the definition of ovoviviparous?

Mother gives birth to live organisms (NOT eggs)

What organs make up the digestive system of a nematode?

Mouth, gut, anus

What is the name of the outermost covering of a nematode?

The cuticle

What are the 3 main types of fecal flotations?

1. Simple gravitational approach

2. Centrifugal procedure

3. Dilution technique

What does a heavy fluid hydrometer measure?

Specific gravity

What are the 2 primary dilution techniques for fecal flotations?

1. McMaster’s technique

2. Stoll technique

What is the main purpose of the Baermann technique?

To identify larvae

What specific organism is the sedimentation technique used for?

Fluke eggs

What specific organism does the Knott’s test help to identify?

Heartworm microfilaria