Medical Parasitology

HUMAN PARASITES
 INTRODUCTION
• DEFINITION OF TERMS
• Medical Parasitology
*Parasitic protozoa
*Parasitic helminthes
*Arthropods
 parasitic organisms
 relationships
Introduction…..
PARASITE
• Weaker organism
• Lives on / in another organism
for food, shelter and its
development
• For survival
Bases of Classification

HABITAT
•ON
•IN
Bases of Classification
Effect on the host
*Pathogenic
*non-pathogenic
Mode of Living
Bases of classification…..
MODE OF LIVING
• obligatory • hematozoic
• Facultative • Cytozoic
• Permanent • Coelozoic
• Periodic / transitory • Coprophilic
• Incidental • Enterozoic
• Erratic • Pseudoparasite
HOST
• DEFINITIVE /FINAL
• INTERMEDIATE
*IST
*2ND
• RESERVOIR
• PARATENIC HOST
TYPES OF RELATIONSHIPS
• SYMBIOSIS -
• MUTUALISM
• COMMENSALISM
• PARASITISM
OTHER TERMS:
• Ovum
• Egg
• Embryo – early developing stage
• Larva – active, feeding stage after embryo
• Trophozoite /Pre-cystic – motile/vegetative
• Cystic – non-motile / infective stage
Geographical Distribution
Factors that influence:
*Presence of susceptible host
*Habits of host (food habits)
- exotic meat
- raw fish / crustacean
- raw / uncooked meat
Mode of Entry
• Integumentary system
• Digestive System
• Respiratory System
• Reproductive System
• Transplacental
Portals of Exit
• Feces – most common
• Urine
• Sputum
• Discharges
• Blood
LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS
Signs and Symptoms of Parasitic Burden:
1. Bloody stool /constipation
2. Blood during coughing
3. Diarrhea
4. Gas and bloating
5. Nausea and vomiting
6. Pale skin
7. Loss of appetite
8. Fatigue /weakness
Factors that Determine Intensity of Parasitism
• Location
• Socio-economic status
• Age / sex
• Water supply
• Food source
Source of Parasitism
• Contaminated soil / water/ food
• Vectors
• Domestic / wild animals
• Another person – E. vermicularis
• Self – S. stercoralis
Modes of Transmission
• 6 Fs
FLUIDS
FINGERS
FECES
 FOOD
FOMITES
FLIES
Ways of Injury to Host
• Robs host of nutrients
• Tissue destruction
• Inoculation of poison
• Infect host with other parasites
• Reduction of resistance
• Psychological disturbance
* itchiness – pruritus ani
Parasitic Control:
• Medical consultation
• Therapeutic measures
• Sanitary control
• Insecticide spraying /chemical fogging
• Meat inspection
• Public education