Freshwater Ich, Crypto Disease, And Pubic Lice: A Guide

Freshwater Ich Overview: Protozoan parasite causing "white spot disease" in freshwater fish. Highly contagious, obligate parasite. Life Cycle: ○ Trophont: Attaches to fish; resistant to treatment. ○ Tomont: Develops in cysts; not treatable. ○ Ther...

Freshwater Ich Overview: Protozoan parasite causing "white spot disease" in freshwater fish. Highly contagious, obligate parasite. Life Cycle: ○ Trophont: Attaches to fish; resistant to treatment. ○ Tomont: Develops in cysts; not treatable. ○ Theront: Free-swimming and treatable stage. Symptoms: White spots, lethargy, gasping, and sudden death. Treatment: ○ Chemical treatments: Copper sulfate and formalin. ○ Regular dosing targets theronts; remove debris and dead fish. Impact: Causes economic losses in aquaculture with up to 100% mortality in outbreaks. Prevention: Quarantine new fish, manage water temperature, and reduce stress. Crypto Disease Transmission: Fecal-oral route, contaminated water/food, or direct contact. Lifecycle: Oocysts survive outside the host, resistant to disinfectants. Symptoms: Watery diarrhea, dehydration, nausea. Severe in immunocompromised individuals. Treatment: ○ Rehydration therapy. ○ Nitazoxanide (less effective for immunocompromised). Prevention: Avoid untreated water, maintain hygiene, and boil water if contamination is suspected. Notable Outbreak: Milwaukee (1993): 403,000 cases, 69 deaths. Pubic Lice Overview: Primitive parasite infecting coarse hair, spread primarily via sexual contact. Lifecycle: ○ Egg (Nit): Hatches in 6-10 days. ○ Nymph: Feeds on blood, matures in 2-3 weeks. ○ Adult: Lives 3-4 weeks; dies without a host in 24-48 hours. Symptoms: Itching, small red/blue spots, yellow/white dots on hair, crusty eyelashes. Treatment: Over-the-counter lotions (permethrin, pyrethrins). Hair removal ineffective. Prevention: Practice safe sex, avoid sharing bedding or clothing. Habitat: Found worldwide, infects humans only.