Parasites+MPharm+2024

Parasites

Organisms that live on or in a host, getting their food at the host's expense, including ectoparasites (like ticks and fleas) and endoparasites (such as protozoa and helminths). Protozoa are microscopic, one-celled organisms, while helminths are large, multicellular organisms like nematodes and cestodes.

Transmission and Disease Overview

Parasites cause diseases such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and various Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) like leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis. These diseases are often spread via vectors (e.g., mosquitoes) or contaminated water, and they can significantly impact public health in terms of morbidity and mortality.

Parasites are organisms that live on or in a _____, getting their food at the host's expense.

host

Ectoparasites include organisms like _____ and fleas.

ticks

Protozoa are microscopic, one-celled organisms, while _____ are larger, multicellular organisms.

helminths

Examples of helminths include nematodes and _____ .

cestodes

Diseases caused by parasites, such as malaria, often have significant impacts on public _____ .

health

Parasites can cause various Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) including leishmaniasis and _____.

toxoplasmosis

The transmission of parasites can occur through vectors like mosquitoes or contaminated _____.

water

Malaria is a disease caused by parasites that primarily infect ___ cells.

red blood

Parasites can lead to increased _____ and mortality rates in affected populations.

morbidity

The study of parasites and their effects on hosts is known as _____ biology.

parasitology

Parasites are classified as __________ organisms because they depend on a host for nutrients.

heterotrophic

The __________ stage in a parasite's lifecycle often involves a host organism.

transmission

The life cycle of many parasites includes both __________ and definitive hosts.

intermediate

A common vector for transmitting parasites like malaria is the __________ mosquito.

Anopheles

Ectoparasites can cause irritation and __________ in their hosts.

inflammation

Some parasites can be __________, meaning they can switch hosts.

facultative

Helminths can live in the __________ system of their hosts, like in the intestines.

gastrointestinal

Schistosomiasis is caused by a type of __________ worm.

flat

Leishmaniasis is transmitted by the bite of infected __________ mosquitoes.

sand

The __________ of a parasite can affect the severity of the disease it causes.

virulence

Feeding habits of ectoparasites can lead to __________ deficiency in hosts.

nutritional

Parasites can manipulate host behavior to increase their own __________ potential.

reproductive

Many parasites evade the host's immune response by changing their __________ on the surface.

antigens

The __________ response in hosts can sometimes be insufficient to control parasitic infections.

immune

Protozoan parasites are typically transmitted through contaminated __________ or food.

water

In some cases, parasitic infections can lead to long-term __________ disorders.

health

The __________ cycle of parasites is critical in controlling their spread and transmission.

life

A __________ is an organism that is unintentionally transported by vectors.

phoresy

Some parasites can cause __________, altering gene expression in their host.

cancer

Parasites harming hosts can lead to decreased __________ reproductive success.

fitness

The __________ is a temporary host during the life cycle of some parasites.

reservoir

Contaminated __________ is a major route through which parasites spread.

water

Preventing parasitic infections often involves improving __________ and sanitation measures.

hygiene

Cestodes are known as __________ worms and can grow very long in host intestines.

tapeworms

Diagnosis of a parasitic infection often involves detecting __________ in body fluids or tissues.

eggs

Some parasites can enter the host through __________ penetration of the skin.

direct

Plasmodium species are the causative agents of __________.

malaria

Infections with parasites can sometimes result in __________ anemia due to blood loss.

iron

Understanding the __________ ecology of parasites helps in disease prevention strategies.

ecological

A __________ is the location within the host where a parasite resides.

niche

Some parasites are vectors for other __________ infections, creating a complex disease ecology.

pathogen

The presence of parasites can impact the __________ of the host population.

biodiversity