Parasitolgy prelims

What is the area of biology concerned with the phenomenon of dependence of one living organism on another called?

Parasitology

What is medical parasitology primarily concerned with?

Parasites of humans and their medical significance.

Define symbiosis in the context of parasites and hosts.

Living together of unlike organisms which may involve protection or other advantages to one or both partners.

What is commensalism?

A symbiotic relationship where two species benefit without harming or benefiting each other.

What is mutualism?

A symbiotic relationship where both organisms mutually benefit from each other.

What is parasitism?

A symbiotic relationship where one organism (the parasite) lives on or in another (the host) and usually to the host’s detriment.

What are ectoparasites?

Parasites that live outside the body of their host.

What are endoparasites?

Parasites that live inside the body of their host.

Define facultative parasites.

Parasites that can exist in a free-living state or may become parasitic when necessary.

What are obligate parasites?

Parasites that require a host to complete their life cycle and propagate their species.

What is an incidental or accidental parasite?

A parasite that establishes itself in a host where it does not ordinarily live.

What is a paratenic host?

A host in which the parasite does not develop further but can still infect a susceptible host.

What role do biological vectors play in parasitology?

They transmit parasites after the parasites have developed within the host.

What is the definition of autoinfection?

When an infected individual becomes his own source of infection.

What is the incubation period in the context of a parasitic infection?

The time between infection and the emergence of symptoms.

During what mode of transmission can parasites penetrate through the skin?

Skin Penetration.

What type of immunity involves the body’s first line of defense against parasites?

Innate immunity.

What significant immune response might malfunction in a parasitic infection?

Acquired immunity.

What is the primary function of fixatives in specimen handling?

To preserve the morphology of protozoa and prevent the further development of helminth eggs and larvae.

What is the drug of choice for invasive amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica?

Metronidazole.

What conditions may lead to toxoplasmosis in humans?

Transplacental transmission from infected cats or ingestion of raw or undercooked meat containing bradyzoites.

What are the key morphological forms in the life cycle of amoeba?

Cyst and Trophozoite.

Name one non-pathogenic amoeba.

Entamoeba coli.

What disease is associated with Leishmania spp.?

Leishmaniasis.

Which parasite is known for causing malaria?

Plasmodium spp.

What is the primary host for the malaria parasite?

Female Anopheles mosquito.

What does the term 'endemic' refer to in epidemiology?

A disease that is always present in a given location.

What does 'epidemic' mean?

A sudden increase in cases of a disease in a given location.

What is hyperendemic?

A very high number of cases of a disease that is already prevalent.

Describe the term 'pathogenicity'.

The ability of a pathogen to cause disease.

What is a major symptom of amoebic dysentery caused by Entamoeba histolytica?

Abdominal pain and diarrhea.

How is Trichomonas vaginalis primarily transmitted?

Through sexual intercourse.

What are the diagnostic stages of Entamoeba histolytica?

Cyst and Trophozoite.

What is the infective stage of Giardia lamblia?

Mature cyst.

What does 'disease prevalence' mean?

The total number of individuals infected with a disease in a given time frame.

Name one technique to diagnose parasitic infections.

Microscopy of stool samples.

Explain what an epidemiological study entails.

The study of the distribution, patterns, and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.

What is the primary treatment approach for Cryptosporidium hominis infections?

Supportive care, as no specific treatment is widely recognized.

What is a common preventative measure for preventing parasitic infections?

Proper sanitation and hygiene practices.

Define the term 'saprozoites.'

Microorganisms that live on dead or decaying organic matter.

What is the significance of the term 'prevalence' in epidemiology?

The proportion of a population found to have a condition at a specific time.