Factors Contributing to Parasitic Infections: Clinical Parasitology Lecture

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of a definitive host?

Host in which the adult sexual phase of parasite development occurs or sexually mature stage of the parasite lives

Define the term 'Reservoir host'.

Host harboring parasites that are parasitic for humans and from which humans may become infected.

What is the role of a Carrier in the context of parasites?

Parasite-harboring host that is not exhibiting any clinical symptoms but can infect others.

Explain the term Zoonosis.

A parasitic disease in which an animal is normally the host but can also infect humans. Signup and view all the answers

What are Eosinophils and how are they related to parasitism?

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that increases in response to parasitic infections. Signup and view all the answers

Define the term 'Vector' in the context of parasites.

A living carrier, such as an arthropod, that transports a pathogenic organism from an infected to a non-infected host. Signup and view all the answers

What are some symptoms associated with parasitic disease processes?

Diarrhea, Fever, Chills, Abdominal Pain Signup and view all the answers

Which major body areas can be affected by parasitic diseases?

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract, Urogenital (UG) tract, Blood and tissue, Liver, Lung, Major organs, Miscellaneous locations Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cellular response in parasitic infections?

Eosinophilia Signup and view all the answers

What are some treatment options for parasitic infections?

Antiparasitic medications, Change in diet, Vitamin supplements, Fluid replacement, Blood transfusion, Bed rest Signup and view all the answers

What immune response is seen in parasitic infections?

Antibodies belonging to different immunoglobulin classes Signup and view all the answers

What are some common diagnostic methods used in parasitic infections?

Cell-mediated response to parasitic antigens, Eosinophilia Signup and view all the answers

What factors contribute to parasitic infections?

Increased population density, poor sanitation, marginal water sources, poor public health practices, environmental changes affecting vector breeding areas, habits and customs of the people living in endemic regions. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the populations at risk for contracting parasites?

Individuals in underdeveloped areas and countries, refugees, immigrants, visitors from foreign countries, immunocompromised individuals, individuals living in close quarters (e.g., prisons), and children who attend day care centers. Signup and view all the answers

What are the modes of parasite transmission?

Ingestion of contaminated food or drink, hand-to-mouth transfer, insect bite, entry via drilling through the skin, unprotected sexual relations, mouth-to-mouth contact, droplet contamination, eye contact with infected swimming water. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two phases of the parasitic life cycle?

The phase where the parasite is in or on the human body, and the phase where the parasite is independent of the human body. Signup and view all the answers