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Lecture 1 Parasitology

This document provides an introduction to parasitology, which is the study of parasites. It defines key terms like parasite, host, infection, and life cycle. It outlines the three major groups of parasites - protozoa, helminths, and arthropods. It also describes the different types of hosts and life cycles parasites can have, from simple direct life cycles using one host, to more complex indirect life cycles using intermediate hosts to complete development. The goal is to understand the basic concepts of parasitology.

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58 views

Lecture 1 Parasitology

This document provides an introduction to parasitology, which is the study of parasites. It defines key terms like parasite, host, infection, and life cycle. It outlines the three major groups of parasites - protozoa, helminths, and arthropods. It also describes the different types of hosts and life cycles parasites can have, from simple direct life cycles using one host, to more complex indirect life cycles using intermediate hosts to complete development. The goal is to understand the basic concepts of parasitology.

Uploaded by

ao868598
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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University of Duhok

College of Basic Education


Department of Science

Parasitology Theory

Dr. Mohammed Adnan


2023
Parasitology

Lecture -1-
Introduction
Why do we study parasites?

• Parasites provide unique examples of biological phenomena not found in free-living


organisms.

 Medical Importance

 Veterinary Importance

 Economic Importance
 Parasitology:- is the science that deals with organisms (parasites) that live on or
within another organism (host).

 Parasites included three major groups:

1. Protozoa 2. Helminths 3. Arthropods

 Protozoa: Single-celled animals, ranging from 2-100µm. Amoebas, Flagellates and


organisms.

 Helminths: Group of parasitic worms such as the Roundworms, Tapeworms, and Flukes.

 Arthropods: Many arthropods feed on human blood and tissue fluids insects and arachnids
that are ectoparasites and (vectors) of diseases.
Definitions

Infection:- The entry, development and multiplication of an infections agent in the body
of humans or animals.
Pathogenesis: Production and development of disease.
Pathogen: A parasite which is able to produce disease.
Virulence: The degree of pathogenicity.
Zoonosis: Disease of animals that is transmissible to humans
Types of parasites:-
1. Endoparasite: lives within the host body (infection)
2. Ectoparasite: lives on the outside of host body (infestation).
3. Obligate parasite: completely dependent upon its host (Entamoebia).
4. Facultative p.: can lead a free-living and parasitic life.
Host and type of hosts
Host:- Organism that shelter the parasite usually it is larger than parasite.

Type of hosts:-

 Definitive or Final host: harbors the adult or sexually mature parasite (primary host).

 Intermediate host: harbors the immature or a sexual stages of parasite (secondary host).

 Vector: an arthropod that carries a parasite to its host.


The life cycle
 Life cycle :- The whole biological course of growth, development and reproduction of a
parasite.

1- The Simple or Direct Life Cycle:- Only one host (no intermediate host). Parasites are
transmitted directly from the sources to one organism (host) by means of its infective
stages. eg., Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia sp.
2. Complicated ( Indirect ) Life Cycle:

Life cycle with more than one host (intermediate host and final host). eg.,

Schistosoma and Malaria parasites.

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