Types of Parasites | Classification of parasites | Microbiology | Basic science Series

Types of Parasites | Classification of parasites | Microbiology | Basic science Series
Sarcoptes scabiei (Scabies mite)
- These mites burrow into the skin to lay eggs.
- They cause intense itching and a pimple-like rash.
- The infection spreads through close physical contact.
Ixodes scapularis (Black-legged tick)
- These ticks attach to the skin and feed on blood.
- They are known vectors of Lyme disease, causing symptoms like fever, fatigue, and a characteristic bull's-eye rash.
Endoparasites
Endoparasites live inside the host’s body, such as in the intestines, blood, tissues, or organs.
Plasmodium spp.
- These protozoa cause malaria, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes.
- They multiply in liver cells and red blood cells, causing cycles of fever, chills, and anemia.
Ascaris lumbricoides
- A large roundworm living in the intestines, causing ascariasis.
- Infected individuals may experience malnutrition, abdominal pain, and intestinal obstruction.
Entamoeba histolytica
- This amoeba causes amoebiasis, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, and, in severe cases, liver abscesses.
- It spreads via contaminated food and water.
Free-living Parasites
Free-living parasites are capable of living independently in the environment but can occasionally infect hosts.
Naegleria fowleri
- This amoeba normally lives in warm freshwater but can cause a rare and usually fatal brain infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis when it enters the nose during swimming or other water activities.
Parasites
Obligate parasites cannot complete their life cycle without spending part of their time in a host. They are entirely dependent on the host for survival and reproduction.
Plasmodium spp.
- Requires both a mosquito (intermediate host) and a human (definitive host) to complete its life cycle.
Parasites
Facultative parasites are usually free-living but can become parasitic if they enter a host.
Strongyloides stercoralis
- This nematode can live freely in soil but can infect humans through skin contact with contaminated soil, causing strongyloidiasis, which can be severe and chronic.
Accidental Parasites
Accidental parasites infect a host that is not their normal target, often resulting in atypical or dead-end infections.
Toxocara canis
- Dog roundworm that can accidentally infect humans, leading to toxocariasis.
- This occurs when humans ingest eggs from contaminated soil, leading to symptoms like fever, coughing, and vision problems.
Aberrant Parasites
Aberrant parasites infect an unusual location in the host or a host species that is not their typical target, often causing unusual or severe symptoms.
Echinococcus granulosus
- This tapeworm normally infects canines but can cause hydatid cysts in humans if eggs are ingested.
- This leads to cysts in organs such as the liver and lungs, which can be life-threatening if not treated.
Permanent Parasites
Permanent parasites spend their entire life on or within their host.
Trichuris trichiura
- The whipworm lives its entire adult life in the human intestines.
- It causes trichuriasis, which can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and anemia.
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