Eukaryotic Microorganisms

• Eukaryotic microorganisms encompass a diverse group of organisms, including fungi, protozoa, and algae, characterized by having cells with membrane-bound nuclei and organelles
• Pathogenic fungi are fungi that can cause disease in humans, animals, or plants
• Helminths are parasitic worms, including roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes, that can infect humans and animals

Eukaryotic Microorganisms

• Eukaryotic microorganisms are single-celled or multicellular organisms possessing a membrane-bound nucleus and other complex cellular structures.
• Fungi, protozoa, and algae are included.
• Eukaryotic cells are larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells; they contains organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus.
• A wide array of metabolic processes are exhibited including aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, and photosynthesis.
• Reproduction occurs sexually or asexually, dependent on species and environmental conditions.
• These microorganisms are found in a variety of habitats: soil, water, and the bodies of plants and animals.
• Some eukaryotic microorganisms are beneficial; others are pathogenic.

Fungi

• Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.
• As heterotrophs, they get nutrients from organic matter via absorption.
• Fungal cells have cell walls made of chitin.
• Fungi reproduce sexually or asexually via spores
• Nutrient cycling, decomposition, and symbiosis are key roles.
• They are used in the production of foods, beverages, and antibiotics.
• Pathogenic fungi can cause a variety of diseases in humans, animals, and plants, which range from superficial to systemic infections.

Pathogenic Fungi

• Pathogenic fungi are fungi that can cause disease in humans, animals, or plants.
• A variety of infections may occur, ranging from superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic infections.
• Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, and dermatophytes are common pathogenic fungi.
• Fungal infections are often difficult to diagnose and treat due to the complex nature of fungal cells and the limited availability of effective antifungal drugs.
• Factors that increase the risk of fungal infections include weakened immune systems, antibiotic use, and exposure to contaminated environments.
• Prevention measures for fungal infections include maintaining good hygiene, avoiding exposure to mold and other fungi, and using antifungal medications when necessary.

Helminths

• Helminths are parasitic worms that infect humans and animals.
• These multicellular organisms have complex life cycles and often involve multiple hosts.
• Roundworms (nematodes), tapeworms (cestodes), and flukes (trematodes) are helminths.
• Helminth infections are common in tropical and subtropical regions, where sanitation and hygiene are poor.
• Infections can cause a variety of diseases, which range from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to severe organ damage.
• Diagnosis of helminth infections typically involves microscopic examination of stool, urine, or blood samples.
• Treatment usually involves anthelmintic drugs, which kill or paralyze the worms.
• Prevention includes improved sanitation and hygiene, cooking food thoroughly, and avoiding contact with contaminated soil and water.

Roundworms (Nematodes)

• Roundworms are cylindrical, unsegmented worms with a complete digestive system.
• They are found in diverse habitats, including soil, water, and the bodies of plants and animals.
• Ascariasis, hookworm, and trichinellosis are common roundworm infections in humans.
• Ascariasis is caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, which infects the small intestine and can cause malnutrition and intestinal obstruction.
• Hookworm infection is caused by Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale, which attach to the intestinal wall, feed on blood, and cause anemia.
• Trichinellosis is caused by Trichinella spiralis, which infects muscle tissue and can cause fever, muscle pain, and edema.

Tapeworms (Cestodes)

• Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that live in the intestines of vertebrates.
• They lack a digestive system and absorb nutrients directly from the host's intestines.
• Tapeworms have a scolex (head) with hooks and suckers that attach to the intestinal wall.
• The body consists of segments called proglottids, which contain reproductive organs.
• Taeniasis and cysticercosis are common tapeworm infections in humans.
• Taeniasis is caused by Taenia solium and Taenia saginata; these infect the small intestine and can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss.
• Cysticercosis is caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium; it can form cysts in muscle, brain, and other tissues, and can cause seizures, headaches, and other neurological symptoms.

Flukes (Trematodes)

• Flukes are flat, leaf-shaped worms that infect the blood, liver, or intestines of vertebrates.
• They have a complex life cycle involving multiple hosts, including snails.
• Flukes have oral and ventral suckers that attach to the host's tissues.
• Schistosomiasis and fascioliasis are common fluke infections in humans.
• Schistosomiasis is caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma; it infects the blood vessels of the bladder or intestines and can cause inflammation, fibrosis, and organ damage.
• Fascioliasis is caused by Fasciola hepatica; it infects the liver and bile ducts and can cause abdominal pain, jaundice, and liver damage.