Introduction to Parasitology PDF

Introduction to Parasitology CHUAH CANDY (Ph.D.) UNIT OF MICROBIOLOGY FACULTY OF MEDICINE AIMST UNIVERSITY Topic Outcomes  Define the various terms related to basic parasitology.  Describe the classification of parasites.  Discuss the mode of transmissions of medically important parasitic inf...

Introduction to Parasitology CHUAH CANDY (Ph.D.) UNIT OF MICROBIOLOGY FACULTY OF MEDICINE AIMST UNIVERSITY Topic Outcomes  Define the various terms related to basic parasitology.  Describe the classification of parasites.  Discuss the mode of transmissions of medically important parasitic infections.  Discuss the life cycle of medically important parasites (Entamoeba, Giardia, Plasmodium, Ascaris, Ancylostoma and filarial worms).  Apply the knowledge of the life cycle to the principles of laboratory diagnosis. Parasites  Living organism that acquires its basic requirements and derives all benefits through intimate contact with another organism (partner), causes harm to the “partner” (host).  Special structures/features: adult, developmental stages  Classification  Physical characteristics  Morphology  Phylogenetics  Location of infestation Terminology Ectoparasite  Parasite that lives outside the body of the host.  E.g., Lice (ectoparasite) on scalp of human (host) Endoparasite  Parasite that lives inside the body of the host.  E.g., Ascaris lumbricoides (endoparasite) in intestine of human (host) Terminology Definitive host  Host in which its parasite reach sexual maturity; or the most important host if no reproduction occurs.  E.g., Human is the definitive host for Schistosoma mansoni. Intermediate host  Host in which its parasite undergoes some development or asexual reproduction, but not sexual maturity.  E.g., Many mammals (such as mice) and birds are intermediate hosts for T. gondii.  E.g., Snail is the intermediate host for Schistosoma mansoni.  Classification Parasites Protozoa Helminths Ectoparasites Entamoeba Ascaris Intestinal Giardia Nematode Trichuris Ticks Taenia Urogenital Trichomonas Cestode Echinococcus Fleas Blood & Plasmodium Schistosoma Tissue Toxoplasma Trematode Fasciola Lice Mites Protozoa General Characteristics of Protozoa  Microscopic unicellular eukaryotes  Able to perform complex metabolic activities such as respiration, excretion and digestion  Most are free living; some are parasites Morphology of Protozoa  Most medically important protozoa are