Parasite Diagnostic Chart

Flashcards for key terms and definitions related to various parasites, their signs and symptoms, and diagnostic methods.

Enterobius vermicularis

A parasite found worldwide that causes perianal itching and allergic reactions, diagnosed with a tape test.

Trichuris trichiura

A parasite found in tropics causing diarrhea and anemia, diagnosed via microscopy or colonoscopy.

Ascaris lumbricoides

A globally distributed parasite causing abdominal pain and intestinal blockage, diagnosed through egg ID in stool.

Anisakis spp.

A marine parasite causing GI pain and vomiting, diagnosed with endoscopy and raw seafood risk.

Onchocerca volvulus

A parasite found in West Africa that causes river blindness, diagnosed via skin snip.

Wuchereria bancrofti / Brugia malayi

Parasites in Equatorial regions causing elephantiasis, diagnosed through microfilariae in night blood.

Loa loa

A parasite causing Calabar swellings in Central/West Africa, diagnosed via blood smear.

Dirofilaria immitis

A parasite primarily in dogs worldwide causing cough and fatigue, diagnosed via serology.

Dracunculus medinensis

A parasite in Africa causing blisters with worm emergence, diagnosed by visual identification.

Necator americanus / Ancylostoma duodenale

Tropical parasites causing anemia, diagnosed by stool eggs.

Ancylostoma caninum

A North American parasite affecting dogs that causes GI bleeding, diagnosed by fecal exam.

Toxocara spp.

A global parasite causing visceral/ocular larval migrans, diagnosed via serology.

Strongyloides stercoralis

A parasite from tropics causing rash and GI pain, diagnosed through fecal microscopy.

Trichinella spiralis

A global parasite from undercooked meat causing muscle pain, diagnosed via muscle biopsy.

Sarcoptes scabiei

A global parasite causing intense itching and rash, diagnosed through skin scraping.

Demodex spp.

A commonly asymptomatic skin parasite that can cause dermatitis, diagnosed via microscopy.

Chigger (Eutrombicula alfreddugesi)

An Americas-based parasite causing intense itching, diagnosed by patient history.

Otodectes cynotis

Ear mites affecting pets, causing scratching and hair loss, diagnosed via ear swab microscopy.

Pediculus spp. (Lice)

Global parasites causing itching and rash, diagnosed by visual inspection.

Triatomine bugs (Kissing bugs)

Bugs in Americas that can transmit Chagas disease, diagnosed via blood smear.

Cimex spp. (Bed bugs)

Global pests causing itchy welts without proven disease transmission, diagnosed through visual inspection.