Protozoans

What group do amoebas belong to?

Amoebas belong to the group Sarcodina.

What is the primary host for Entamoeba histolytica?

Humans are the primary host for Entamoeba histolytica.

How is Entamoeba histolytica transmitted?

It is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food, water, or surfaces.

What percentage of the world population is infected with Entamoeba histolytica?

About 10% of the world population is infected.

What is a common symptom of Entamoeba histolytica?

Common symptoms include dysentery, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, and weight loss.

What are possible complications of Entamoeba histolytica infection?

Complications may include dehydration, bowel hemorrhaging, perforation, appendicitis, and tumor-like growths.

What type of treatment is effective against Entamoeba histolytica?

Antibiotics are effective against this infection.

Which amoebic infection is known to affect the brain?

Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba are known to cause brain infections.

How is Naegleria fowleri transmitted?

It is acquired through nasal contact with contaminated water or traumatic eye damage.

What severe condition can Naegleria fowleri cause?

It can cause primary acute meningoencephalitis, which is often fatal.

What is a common symptom of Acanthamoeba infection?

It can cause severe eye infections (keratitis) that may lead to destruction of the optic nerve.

What environmental conditions promote the growth of Naegleria and Acanthamoeba?

Standing water and warm conditions, especially during droughts.

What is an example of a ciliate that poses health concerns?

Balantidium coli is a notable ciliate that poses health concerns.

What is the primary host for Balantidium coli?

Domestic animals, particularly pigs.

How is Balantidium coli transmitted?

Transmission occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water.

What symptoms can Balantidium coli lead to?

It can cause intestinal symptoms like erosion of intestines and diarrhea.

Which group of protozoa lacks means of movement like flagella or cilia?

Apicomplexa are obligate parasites that lack means of movement.

What are the causative agents of malaria?

Plasmodium species are the causative agents of malaria.

How is Plasmodium primarily transmitted?

It is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

What is the most severe species of Plasmodium?

Plasmodium falciparum is the most severe species and responsible for the highest mortality rates.

What cyclical symptoms are associated with malaria?

Cyclic episodes of chills, fever, sweating, anemia, and organ enlargement.

What is a critical method for diagnosing malaria?

Detection of trophozoites in red blood cells via blood smear is critical for diagnosis.

What type of virus is Toxoplasma gondii?

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite.

How is Toxoplasma gondii commonly transmitted?

Transmission occurs through ingestion of raw meat or contaminated surfaces, often cat feces.

What can severe infections of Toxoplasma gondii affect?

Severe effects can occur on fetuses, including birth defects or fetal demise.

What notable blood flagellate causes Chagas disease?

Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease.

How is Trypanosoma cruzi transmitted?

It is spread by the kissing bug.

What disease is associated with hemoflagellates?

Hemoflagellates are associated with several severe diseases, including Chagas disease.

What are the characteristics of DNA viruses?

Most DNA viruses are double-stranded, except for Parvovirus which is single-stranded.

What is the significance of Hepatitis B virus?

Hepatitis B is an enveloped DNA virus that can lead to liver inflammation.

Which virus is known for causing smallpox?

Variola is the virus responsible for smallpox.

What type of virus is the herpes simplex virus?

Herpes viruses are large envelope viruses that can remain latent in the host.

What is the common transmission route for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)?

EBV is commonly spread via oral contact and saliva.

What is an important consequence of Hepatitis C virus infection?

Many individuals develop chronic infections, leading to liver cancer.

What characterizes the flu virus's genomic behavior?

The influenza virus RNA genome segments enter the nucleus during infection.

What is the significance of the trivalent vaccine?

The trivalent vaccine is recommended annually to prevent influenza.

What do arboviruses include?

Arboviruses are insect-borne viruses transmitted primarily through mosquitoes.

How is HIV primarily transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions, or from mother to infant.

What does opportunistic infection signify in HIV/AIDS patients?

It signifies a reduction in the immune response due to HIV targeting T cells.

How is poliovirus transmitted?

Poliovirus infects through the fecal-oral route.

What does norovirus commonly cause?

Norovirus commonly causes viral gastroenteritis.

What are the symptoms associated with dengue fever?

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include severe abdominal pain.

What virus is associated with measles?

Morbillivirus is the virus that causes measles.

What are the common symptoms of rabies?

Symptoms include initial fever, agitation, seizures, and hydrophobia.

Which viruses are known to cause significant respiratory illnesses?

Coronaviruses are known to cause significant respiratory illnesses such as SARS and MERS.

What are the historical insights regarding yellow fever transmission?

Identification of mosquitoes as vectors was established through self-experimentation.

What does the term 'antigenic drift' refer to?

Antigenic drift refers to gradual genetic changes in influenza viruses.

Why is vaccination important in controlling the flu?

Because influenza is a top 10 cause of death in the U.S., vaccination is crucial.

What characterizes the clinical implications of non-enveloped viruses?

Non-enveloped viruses can be more resistant to environmental changes, affecting transmission.

What do RNA viruses create in terms of diversity?

RNA viruses show significant diversity across families based on capsid structure and type.

How is blood sampling used in diagnosis for infections like malaria?

Blood sampling helps in the detection of parasites in red blood cells.

What are the preventive measures for infections like dengue and Zika?

Preventive measures include controlling mosquito populations and avoiding bites.

What symptoms can arise from exposure to hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A typically causes acute hepatitis with symptoms like fatigue and jaundice.

How is Toxoplasma often transmitted through the environment?

Toxoplasma is often transmitted through contaminated soil or surfaces.

What complications can arise from Acanthamoeba infections?

Severe keratitis can lead to loss of vision if untreated.

What differentiates vector-borne diseases from other infections?

Vector-borne diseases are transmitted through insects or other organisms.

What is a key characteristic of the chikungunya virus?

It generally causes high fever and severe joint pain.

How do many viruses evade host immune responses?

Many viruses have evolved mechanisms to evade detection by the host immune system.

What role does zoonotic transmission play in viral diseases?

Zoonotic transmission enables viruses to jump from animals to humans, creating new health risks.

What are significant symptoms of hantavirus infections?

Acute respiratory distress and high fever are notable symptoms.

What is an important public health measure against highly contagious viruses?

Vaccination is a key public health measure to control outbreaks.