Parasitology Overview and Transmission

Organisms that completely depend on a host for survival.

Organisms that can survive either as a parasite or independently.

The host where the parasite reaches its adult stage and reproduces sexually.

The host where the parasite undergoes larval or asexual stages.

Organisms that attack an unusual host due to accidental or incidental contact.

The relationship between a parasite and its host, involving interaction and dependence.

A relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither harmed nor helped.

A relationship between phylogenetically different organisms (e.g., parasite and host) that involves interaction in nature.

A host that carries a parasite but does not develop any symptoms. They can still transmit the parasite to other hosts.

A host that harbors a parasite and serves as a source of infection for other hosts. It's important for the parasite's spread.

A host that carries a parasite from one location to another, facilitating its spread.

A close relationship between two species where both benefit from the interaction.

A parasite that has the ability to cause disease.

A close relationship between two species where both are dependent on each other for survival.

The stage of a parasite that can infect humans.

The stage of a parasite that can be detected in a laboratory sample.

Signs and symptoms observed in a patient that suggest a parasitic infection.

Laboratory tests used to detect parasitic organisms in samples such as stool or blood.

A change in diet aimed at addressing nutrient deficiencies caused by parasitic infections.

Medications specifically designed to kill or inhibit the growth of parasitic organisms.

Fluid imbalance often encountered in parasitic infections, requiring replenishment.

The process of recovering from a parasitic infection.

The process of collecting a sample from the body using suction.

A type of microscopic examination where a sample is placed on a slide with liquid and viewed under a microscope.

A technique used to concentrate parasites in a sample by adding a mucolytic agent and then spinning it in a centrifuge.

A specialized medium used for culturing Acanthamoeba, a parasitic organism that can cause eye infections.

A dye used to stain Acanthamoeba, making it easier to see under a microscope.

A common parasitic infection that can affect the small intestine.

A parasitic infection that can affect the brain and spinal cord.

Fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

Stools containing urine contamination are unsuitable for parasite examination because urine kills protozoan trophozoites rapidly.

Immediate examination of stool samples is crucial to prevent disintegration of protozoan trophozoites.

Stool samples should not be exposed to air, frozen, or incubated as these conditions can negatively impact the viability of parasitic organisms.

Series of stool samples should be collected over time to detect parasitic organisms, as their presence in stool can fluctuate.

Formed stools are more likely to contain protozoan cysts, while watery or diarrheic stools are more likely to contain protozoan trophozoites.

A type of parasitic infection affecting the oral mucosa and gums, often linked to poor oral hygiene.

A parasitic infection of the nasal passage, often caused by Naegleria fowleri.

A method of collecting stool samples for parasitological examination, involving the use of clean, sealable containers.

Prior to collecting stool samples, any medications that might affect the results should be avoided.

The ideal time to collect a stool sample to detect parasites is after enemas.

Elements found in stool that are easily confused with parasitic organisms.

Distinguishing features that help differentiate between potential parasites and other elements found in stool.

The importance of avoiding contamination of stool samples with any liquid, such as urine or water.