host

Protozoal
Infections
of the Eyes
Hannah Patrice D. Vera Cruz
BSN 1E
Content of This
Presentation
01 02 03
The Disease The Pathogen Reservoirs and
mode of
transmissions

04 05 06
Laboratory Treatment
Patient Care
Diagnosis
 Protozoal infections of the eyes include
conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis (inflammation of
the cornea and conjunctiva), caused by amebas in the
genus Acanthamoeba, and toxoplasmosis, caused by the
sporozoan, Toxoplasma gondii.
01
Amebic Eye Infections
Amebic conjunctivitis and
keratoconjunctivitis are amebic
infections causing inflammation of
the conjunctiva, corneal ulcers, pus
formation, and severe pain. The
disease process is more rapid if
corneal abrasions are present. It
can lead to loss of vision.
The following are the symptoms of
the disease:
● Eye pain
● Eye redness
● Blurred vision
● Sensitivity to light
● Sensation of something in the
eye
● Excessive tearing
Pathogen. Amebic eye infections are caused by several species of
amebas in the genus Acanthamoeba. These amebas are capable of
either a free-living or a parasitic existence, they are referred to as
facultative parasites.

Reservoirs and Mode of Transmission. The amebas enter the eye

from ameba-contaminated waters. Infections have occurred primarily in
people who wear soft contact lenses and have used nonsterile,
homemade cleaning or wetting solutions, or have become infected in
ameba-contaminated spas or hot tubs.
Laboratory Diagnosis. Amebic eye infections are diagnosed by
microscopic examination of scrapings, swabs, or aspirates of the eye, or
by culture on media seeded with Escherichia coli or another member of
the family Enterobacteriaceae. The bacteria on the media serve as food
for the amebas.

Patient Care. Use Standard Precautions for hospitalized patients.

Treatment. The infection is treated with one or more prescription

medications. An eye care provider can determine the best treatment
option for each patient.
02
Toxoplasmosis

- It is a systemic sporozoan
infection that, in
immunocompetent persons,
may be asymptomatic or
resemble infectious
mononucleosis.
- Disease typically involves the
CNS, eyes, lungs, muscles, or
heart.
- Ocular toxoplasmosis is an
infection in the eye caused by
the parasite,Toxoplasma
gondii. Toxoplasmosis is the
most common cause of eye
inflammation in the world.
- A toxoplasmosis infection that
affects the eye usually attacks the
retina and initially resolves without
symptoms. However, the inactive
parasite may later reactivate
causing eye pain, blurred vision, and
possibly permanent damage,
including blindness.
- Ocular manifestations of
toxoplasmosis occur primarily in
immunosuppressed patients, in
whom the infection can lead to
removal of the infected eyeball
(enucleation).
Pathogen. Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular
sporozoan.

Reservoirs and Mode of Transmission.

Humans usually become infected by eating infected raw or undercooked

meat containing the cyst form of the parasite or by ingesting oocysts that have
been shed in the feces of infected cats. Oocysts may be present in food or
water contaminated by feline feces. Children may ingest oocysts from sand
boxes containing cat feces. Infection can also be acquired transplacentally, by
blood transfusion, or by organ transplantation.
Laboratory Diagnosis. It is diagnosed based on the appearance of
the lesions in the eye, symptoms, course of disease, and often serologic
testing.

Patient Care. Use Standard Precautions for hospitalized patients.

Treatment. Persons with ocular toxoplasmosis are sometimes
prescribed medicine to treat active disease by their ophthalmologist.
Whether or not medication is recommended depends on the size of the
eye lesion, the location, and the characteristics of the lesion (acute active,
versus chronic not progressing).
References:
Acanthamoeba Keratitis FAQs. (2021). Retrieved January 20, 2021, from

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/acanthamoeba/gen_info/acanthamoeba_keratitis.html

CDC - Toxoplasmosis. (2021). Retrieved January 20, 2021, from

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/

Engelkirk, P. G., & Duben-Engelkirk, J. L. (2015). Burton’s microbiology for the health sciences

(10th ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health.

‌
Protozoal Infections of the
Gastrointestinal Tract
By: Cariazo, Sherinne Jane A.
Gastrointestinal diseases
1. Amebiasis
2. Balantidiasis
3. Cryptosporidiosis
4. Cyclosporiasis
5. Giardiasis
 1. Amebiasis
Description  a protozoal gastrointestinal infection that may be asymptomatic, mild, or severe and is often accompanied by
dysentery, fever, chills, bloody or mucoid diarrhea or constipation, and colitis.
 The amebas may invade mucous membranes of the colon, forming abscesses and amebomas, which are
granulomas that are sometimes mistaken for carcinoma. Amebas also may be disseminated via the bloodstream to
extraintestinal sites, leading to abscesses of the liver, lung, brain, and other organs. Depending on their location,
untreated extraintestinal amebic abscesses can be fatal.

Pathogen Amebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica.

Reservoirs and mode of transmision  Reservoirs include symptomatic and asymptomatic humans and fecally contaminated food or water.

 Transmission occurs in one of several ways: (a) via ingestion of fecally contaminated food or water containing
cysts, (b) by flies transporting cysts from feces to food, (c) via the fecally soiled hands of infected food handlers,
(d) by oral–anal sexual contact, or (e) by anal intercourse involving multiple sex partners.

Laboratory diagnosis Amebic dysentery is diagnosed by microscopic observation of E. histolytica trophozoites and/or cysts in stained
smears of fecal specimens.

Patient Care Use Standard Precautions for hospitalized patients.

 2. Balantidiasis
Description  a protozoal gastrointestinal infection of the colon causing diarrhea or dysentery, colic, nausea, and vomiting.

Pathogen Balantidiasis is caused by Balantidium coli, a ciliated protozoan. B. coli is the only ciliate that causes disease in
humans. Balantidiasis occurs more commonly in pigs than in humans

Reservoirs and mode of transmision  Reservoirs include pigs and anything that might be contaminated with pig feces (e.g., drinking water).

Transmission most often occurs via ingestion of B. coli cysts in fecally contaminated food or water.

Laboratory diagnosis Balantidiasis is diagnosed by observing and identifying B. coli trophozoites or cysts in fecal specimens, which
may also contain blood and mucus. B. coli is the largest of the protozoa that infect humans.

Patient Care Use Standard Precautions for hospitalized patients.

 3. Cryptosporidiosis
Description  a gastrointestinal infection caused by a coccidial protozoan. Coccidia are sporozoa. Cryptosporidiosis may be
asymptomatic or may cause diarrhea, cramping, and abdominal pain. Less common symptoms include malaise,
fever, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.

Pathogen  Cryptosporidiosis results from ingestion of oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum, a coccidian.

Reservoirs and mode of transmision  Reservoirs include infected humans, cattle and other domestic animals.
 Fecal–oral transmission; from person to person, from animal to person, or via ingestion of contaminated water
or food.

Laboratory diagnosis  Cryptosporidiosis can be diagnosed by microscopic observation of small (4–6 m-diameter) acid-fast oocysts
in stained smears of fecal specimens. Sensitive and specific immunodiagnostic procedures are also available.

Patient Care Use Standard Precautions for hospitalized patients. Add Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent patients.
 4. Cyclosporiasis
Description
 a coccidial gastrointestinal infection, causing watery diarrhea (6 or more stools per day), nausea, anorexia,
abdominal cramping, fatigue, and weight loss. The diarrhea lasts between 9 and 43 days in immunocompetent
patients, and months in immunocompromised patients.

Pathogen
 Cyclosporiasis results from ingestion of oocysts of Cyclospora cayetanensis, a coccidian.

Reservoirs and mode of transmision

 Reservoirs include fecally contaminated water sources and produce that has been rinsed with fecally
contaminated water.
 Transmission is primarily waterborne, but outbreaks have involved contaminated raspberries, basil, and
lettuce.

Laboratory diagnosis
Diagnosis of cyclosporiasis is made by microscopic observation of the 8- to 9-m-diameter acid-fast oocysts,
which are about twice the size of Cryptosporidium oocysts. The oocysts autofluoresce a bright green to intense
blue under ultraviolet fluorescence, when examined using appropriate filters.

Patient Care  Use Standard Precautions for hospitalized patients.

5. Giardiasis
Description
 a protozoal infection of the duodenum (the uppermost portion of the small intestine) and may be
asymptomatic, mild, or severe.
 Patients experience diarrhea, steatorrhea (loose, pale, malodorous, fatty stools), abdominal cramps, bloating,
abdominal gas, fatigue, and possibly weight loss.

Pathogen
 Giardiasis is caused by Giardia lamblia (also called Giardia intestinalis), a flagellated protozoan.

Reservoirs and mode of transmision

 Reservoirs include infected humans, possibly beavers and other wild and domestic animals that have
consumed water containing Giardia cysts; and fecally contaminated drinking water and recreational water. The
disease commonly occurs in day care centers.
 Transmission occurs via the fecal–oral route, usually by ingestion of cysts in fecally contaminated water or
foods, or from person to person by soiled hands to mouth. Smaller outbreaks have involved contaminated food,
person-to-person transmission in day care centers, and fecally contaminated recreational water. Large community
outbreaks have resulted from drinking treated but unfiltered water.

Laboratory diagnosis
Giardiasis is usually diagnosed by microscopic observation of trophozoites and/or cysts in stained smears of
fecal specimens or duodenal aspirates.

Patient Care  Use Standard Precautions for hospitalized patients. Add Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent
patients.
SUMMARY
 Amebiasis, Balantidiasis, Cryptosporidiosis,
Cyclosporiasis and Giardiasis are intestinal infection
caused by protozoans.
 Protozoan intestinal infections are commonly cause
transmitted through contaminated food and water.
 Treatment varies depending on the causative agent.
PROTOZOAL INFECTIONS
OF THE GENITOURINARY
TRACT
Danika Aurea Villanueva
BSN 1E
 1. TRICHOMONIASIS
DESCRIPTION PARASITE RESERVIORS AND LABORATORY PATIENT CARE
MODE OF DIAGNOSIS
TRANSMISSION
Is a sexually It is caused by Reservoir for this Looking at a sample Use standard
transmitted protozoal infection with a species is human of vaginal fluid for precautions.
disease affecting both protozoan genital tract. women or urine for
men and women. The parasite called Transmission through men under a
disease is usually Trichomonas vaginal, oral, or anal microscope.
symptomatic to vaginalis. sex with an infected
women, causing individual
vaginitis with a profuse,
thin, foamy,
malodorous, greenish-
yellowish discharge.
 Entamoeba Histolytica
Description Parasite Reservoirs Laboratory Patient Care
and mode of diagnosis
transmission

Is an anaerobic Is estimated to Occurs world wide Presence of Iodoquinol,

parasitic infect 35-50 characteristic metronadazole
amoebozoan, part million people cysts.
of the genus worldwide.
entamoeba.
 Crystosporidium Parvum
DESCRIPTION PARASITE RESERVOIRS AND LABORATORY PATIENT CARE
MODE OF DIAGNOSIS
TRANSMISSION
Is one of several Microscopic parasite The high prevalence Modified acid-fast Paramomicin (often
species that cause that causes diarrheal and intensive stain of tool sample. not effective)
cryptosporidiosis, a disease shedding of
parasitic disease of cryptosporidiosis. cryptosporidial
the mammalian oocysts by calves in
intestinal tract. farm examined in
this study suggest
that naturally
infected calves may
be significant
reservoirs for C.
parvum infections in
man and wild
animals.
Transmission-
mainly through
contact with
contaminated water.
 GIARDIA LAMBLIA
DESCRIPTION PARASITE RESERVOIRS AND LABORATORY PATIENT CARE
MODE OF DIAGNOSIS
TRANSMISSION
Is also known as Giardia Is found on surfaces Breavers may be an By presence of Metronidazole.
intestinalis and Giardia or in soil, food, or important an important cysts or
lamblia. Is a flagellated water that has been reservoir for G. trophozoites in
parasitic microorganism contaminated with Intestinalis. Humans, stools.
that colonizes and feces (poop) from wild and domestic
produces in the small infected humans or animals.
intestine, causing a animals. Transmission- person to
diarrheal condition person, faecal oral route
known as giardiasis is more important.
Protozoal Infections of the
Circulatory System
Leigh Alexis Diaz
BSN 1E
 Protozoal infections are characterized by hyperproliferation of
the infectious agent independent of the parasites living
intracellularly or extracellularly of their respective host cells.

 Protozoan infections are responsible for diseases that affect

many different types of organisms, including plants, animals, and
some marine life. Many of the most prevalent and deadly human
diseases are caused by a protozoan infection, including African
Sleeping Sickness, amoebic dysentery, and malaria.
The circulatory system, also called the
cardiovascular system or the vascular system, is an
organ system that permits blood to circulate and
transport nutrients
 Disease Pathogen Signs And Transmission Diagnostic Tests
Symptomps
Babesiosis - is a generally
asymptomatic infection of red
blood cells that can causes Malaise, chills, Blood smear,
malaria-like symptoms in fever, headache, serology, IFA, and
Babesia spp. myalgia, arthralgia From animals to humans via Ixodes tick PCR
elderly, immunocompromised, vectors
or asplenic patients.

Chagas Disease - is a
tropical disease transmitted by
triatomine bugs. The
trypanosome infects heart,
neural tissues, monocytes,
and phagocytes, often Fever, headache,
remaining latent for many Trypanosoma body aches, Between humans or from animal Blood smear, IFA,
years before causing serious cruzi swollen lymph reservoirs via triatomine (kissing bug) EIA, PCR,
nodes; potentially vector xenodiagnoses
and sometimes fatal damage fatal
to the digestive system and
heart.
Leishmaniasis - is caused
by the protozoan Leishmania
and is transmitted by sand flies.
Ulcer; enlargement of Between humans or from animal Blood smear, culture,
Symptoms are generally mild, the lymph nodes, liver, reservoirs via sand fly
Leishmania spp. spleen, and other (Phlebotomus spp., Lutzomyia spp. PCR, DNA probe,
but serious cases may cause biopsy
organ damage, anemia, and organs ) vectors
loss of immune competence.

Malaria - is a protozoan
parasite that remains an
important cause of death
primarily in the tropics. Several
species in the genus
Plasmodium are responsible for
malaria and all are transmitted
Plasmodium vivax, Extreme fever, chills,
by Anopheles mosquitoes. P. malariae, myalgia, nausea, and
Plasmodium infects and P. falciparum, vomiting, possibly Between humans via Anopheles Blood smear, EIA
P. ovale, leading to organ failure mosquito vectors
destroys human red blood cells,
P. knowlesi and death
leading to organ damage,
anemia, blood vessel necrosis,
and death. Malaria can be
treated with various antimalarial
drugs and prevented through
vector control.
Toxoplasmosis - is a
widespread protozoal
infection that can cause
serious infections in the
immunocompromised and in Tissue cysts; in Contact with feces of infected cat; Serological tests,
Toxoplasma pregnant women, eating contaminated vegetables or direct detection of
developing fetuses. Domestic gondii birth defects or pathogen in tissue
miscarriage undercooked meat of infected animal sections
cats are the definitive host.
Babesia spp Trypanosoma cruzi Leishmania spp

Plasmodium vivax Toxoplasma Gondii

PROTOZOAN
INFECTIONS
IN CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

BY: JAMES BRYAN G. CULAM BSN-1E

Central Nervous System
o Central nervous system (CNS) is the part of the body’s
nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord. It
controls most functions of the body and mind.
o An infection of the central nervous system can be a life-
threatening condition, especially for children with
weakened immune systems.
o These infections need quick diagnosis and immediate
treatment by an infectious disease specialist. 
Protozoal infections of the CNS include:

 Africantrypanosomiasis
 Amebic abscesses
 Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis
 Toxoplasmosis
Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis
o Disease
o Difficult to detect because the disease progresses rapidly
so that diagnosis is usually made after death.
o Destroys brain tissue and causes brain swelling and death.
Signs and Symptoms
Stage 1 Stage 2
Severe frontal Stiff neck
headache Seizures
Fever Altered mental status
Nausea Hallucinations
Vomiting Coma
• Patient Care
Use Standard Precautions for hospitalized
patients

•Geographic Occurrence
PAM has been reported worldwide.
Parasite
o PAM is caused by N. fowleri, an ameboflagellate.a Amebas
in the genera Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia can cause
similar conditions.
Reservoirs and Mode of Transmission
o Water and soil serve as reservoirs.
o The amebas usually enter the nasal passages of a
person diving and/or swimming in ameba-
contaminated water, such as ponds, lakes, “the old
swimming hole,” thermal springs, hot tubs, spas, and
public swimming pools.
Laboratory Diagnosis
 Diagnosis of PAM can sometimes be made by microscopic
examination of wet mount preparations of fresh
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
 Most cases of PAM are diagnosed after the patient’s death
through observation of amebas in stained sections of brain
tissue.
THANK YOU!
HELMINT
H
INFECTIO
NS OF
HUMANS Vanessa Asco
BSN 1E
HELMINTHIASIS
Also known as “worm infection” is
any microparasitic disease of humans
and other animals in which a part of
the body is infected with parasitic
worms known as HELMINTHS.
 HELMINTHS
These are parasitic There are numerous
worms. They are the species of these
most common parasites which are
infection agents of broadly classified into
humans in developing tapeworms, flukes, and
countries and produce roundworms.
a global burden of
disease.
SOIL-TRANSMITTED
HELMINTH
Refers to the intestinal worms infecting
humans that are transmitted through
contaminated soil

It lives in the intestine and their eggs are

passed in the feces of infected persons.
ANATOMIC LOCATION HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT CAUSES
THE DISEASE

Onchocerciasis (also Onchocerca Volvulus;

Skin known as “river microfilariae (tiny
blindness” prelarval stages of these
helminths are found in the
skin)
 ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Muscles and Subcutaneous • Trichinosis • Trichinella

tissues
Spiralis

• Dracunculiasis • Dracunculus also known

as guinea worm
ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Eyes Onchocerciasis Onchocerca volvulus;

microfilariae enter the
eyes, causing an intense
inflammatory reaction
ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Eyes Loiasis Loa loa; also known

as the African
eyeworm
 ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Respiratory System Paragonimiasis Paragonimus

wertermani; the
lung fluke
ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Circulatory Filiaris Wuchereria bancofti

and Brugia malayi;
System microfilariae of these
helminths are found in
bloodstream.
 ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Circulatory System Schistosomiasis Trematodes in the

(also known as genus Schistosoma
bilharzia)
 ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Central Nervous Cysticercosis Cysts (the larval stage) of the

pork tapeworm (Taenia
System
solium) are found in the
brain.
 ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Central Nervous Hydatid cyst disease Echonococcus granulosis or

Echinococcus
System multilocularis; in addition to
the brain, hydatid cysts (the
larval form of these
helminths) can form in many
other locations.
 ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Gastrointestinal Tract Ascariasis Infection Ascaris Lumbricoides; the

large intestinal roundworm of
humans

Hookworm Infection Ancylostoma duodenale

or Necator Americans
 ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Gastrointestinal Pinworm infection Enterobius

(Enterobiasis) Vermicularis
Tract

Whipworm infection Trichuris Trichiura

(trichuriasis)
ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Strongyloidiasis Strongyloides
Stercoralis

Beef tapeworm Taenia saginata

infection
ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Dog tapeworm infection Dipylidium

Caninum

Dwarf tapeworm Hymenolepis nana

infection
ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Fish tapeworm Diphyllobothrium

infection latum

Pork tapeworm Taenia Solium

infection
ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Rat tapeworm infection Hymenolepis diminuta

Fasciolopsiasis Fasciolopsis buski; an

intestinal fluke
ANATOMIC HELMINTH DISEASE HELMINTH THAT
LOCATION CAUSES THE DISEASE

Fascioliasis Fasciola hepatica

Clonorchiasis Clonorchis sinesis; also

known as the Chinese or
oriental liver fluke.