Parasitology Quiz: Mechanisms and Diagnosis

The study of parasites, including their morphology, life cycles, diseases they cause, and methods used to diagnose and prevent infections.

Large, multicellular organisms that don't directly reproduce inside their vertebrate host. Examples include worms like Ascaris lumbricoides.

Parasites that live on the surface of the host's body or temporarily invade superficial tissues. Examples include lice.

The infection caused by ectoparasites, like lice.

Parasites that live inside the body of their host. Examples include protozoa and worms.

The invasion of the body by an endoparasite, like a worm.

A parasite that cannot survive without a host, completely dependent on the host for its survival. For example, Toxoplasma gondii.

The study of the distribution of parasites, including their geographic location and prevalence.

A parasitic infection where the parasite is transmitted from an infected animal to a human through the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat.

A parasitic infection where the parasite is transmitted from an infected person to another person through various means, such as kissing, sharing contaminated utensils, or contact with contaminated water.

A parasitic infection where the parasite is transmitted from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy or childbirth.

A parasitic infection where the parasite is transmitted through the inhalation of airborne eggs or larvae.

A parasitic infection where the parasite is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water.

A parasitic infection where the parasite is transmitted through the bite of an infected insect.

A parasitic infection where the parasite is transmitted through the inoculation of contaminated blood, such as through blood transfusions or the sharing of needles.

A parasitic infection that occurs when a person re-infects themselves with the same parasite.

The body's immune system using specialized cells to fight off parasites, like T-cells, macrophages, and NK cells.

A type of immune response that involves antibodies produced by B cells to neutralize parasites.

A mechanism where parasites can kill host cells by releasing enzymes that break them down.

A process where parasites compete with the host for essential nutrients.

A specific type of nutrient competition where parasites steal Vitamin B12, leading to a deficiency in the host, known as pernicious anemia.

The presence or absence of certain genetic traits in a host can influence susceptibility to parasitic infections.

The host's diet can significantly affect their vulnerability to parasites.

The use of various methods to diagnose parasitic infections, including microscopy, serology, and molecular techniques.

The process by which a parasite causes harm to its host.

The roundworm responsible for the parasitic infection ascariasis.

The infection caused by the Ascaris lumbricoides worm.

A condition where the body, especially the intestines, is blocked or partially obstructed.

A deficiency in Vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision and immune function.

A state of poor nutrition, often due to lack of essential nutrients in the diet.

A lack of appetite, which is a reduced desire to eat.

The physical process of growing and developing, particularly in children.

A substance released by the Ascaris lumbricoides worm, causing allergic reactions.

Actions taken to prevent parasitic infections.

Getting rid of human feces in a safe and responsible way.

Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove potentially harmful contaminants, like parasite eggs.

Regular treatment with anti-parasitic medication to prevent infections.

A comprehensive approach to parasite control, focusing on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Education, and Deworming.

Observing adult worms in feces or expelled from the body.

Finding larvae in sputum, especially during the migration stage.

A technique for identifying fertilized and unfertilized eggs using a sample of feces. The eggs are visually identified under a microscope, allowing for diagnosis of parasitic infections.

A method to diagnose parasitic infections by examining fecal samples. It uses a specific medium to concentrate eggs allowing for easier detection and quantification.

Identifying parasitic infections by detecting antibodies or antigens in the blood or body fluids. This indicates a past or present infection.

An increase in the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. This is a common sign of parasitic infections during the larval stage when the parasite migrates through the body.

A drug that effectively treats a wide range of parasitic worm infections by paralyzing the worms and preventing their movement, leading to expulsion.

A drug that treats parasitic worm infections by inhibiting glucose uptake, causing the parasite to starve and die.

A medication used to combat roundworm infections by disrupting microtubule formation, interrupting the parasite's nutrient absorption, and ultimately killing it.

A drug that paralyzes worms, enabling their expulsion from the body. An effective treatment for roundworm infections.