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Questions and Answers
What is the definition of parasitology?
What is a characteristic of parasites?
What is the function of a vector in relation to parasites?
What is an endoparasite?
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What is a characteristic of Protozoa?
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What is an opportunistic parasite?
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How do Protozoa divide?
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What is a characteristic of Mastigophora or Flagellated protozoans?
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What is an intermediate host?
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What is a definitive host?
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What is the body of Mastigophora covered by?
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How do parasites usually feed?
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How do Sarcodina or Amoeboids move?
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What is a characteristic of parasites' life cycles?
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What is a characteristic of Sarcodina or Amoeboids?
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What is an example of a Protozoan?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Parasitology
- Parasitology is the science that focuses on the study of parasites, their hosts, and the relationships between them.
- Parasites are organisms that live in or on another organism (the host) deriving food and shelter and causing harm to that host.
General Characteristics of Parasites
- Depend on a host organism for survival
- Usually smaller than their host
- High reproductive rate
- Complex life cycles
- Evasion of the host's immune system
- Feed by hooks, suckers, claws, teeth, or specialized mouthparts
General Terminology of Parasitology
- Endoparasites: live within the host causing infection
- Ectoparasites: live on the external surface of the host causing infestation
- Opportunistic parasite: produces disease only in immunodeficient hosts
- Intermediate host: in which the parasite lives during its larval stage or asexually reproducing form
- Definitive host: in which the adult or sexually reproducing form of the parasite lives
- Vector: usually an arthropod that transmits parasites (or other pathogens) from infected organisms to other hosts
Types of Parasites
Protozoa
- Single-celled organisms
- Either free-living or parasites
- Lack a cell wall
- Generally heterotrophic
- Divide by binary fission, schizogony, or budding
Protozoa Classification and Examples
- Mastigophora or Flagellated protozoans:
- Have flagella for locomotion
- Body is covered by a cuticle or pellicle
- Reproduction is by binary fission
- Examples: Trypanosoma, Trichomonas, Giardia, Leishmania
- Sarcodina or Amoeboids:
- Movement is by pseudopodia
- Pellicle is absent
- Reproduction is by binary fission and cyst formation
- Examples: Amoeba, Entamoeba, etc.
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Description
This quiz covers the introduction to parasites and parasitology, the science that studies parasites. It is designed for first-stage students at the College of Dentistry.
