Introduction
to
Parasitology
GROUP 8:
TRIVIA
TIME!
Fun Facts Hair Worm
01 02 03
They are They are considered They become a
harmless to beneficial as they nuisance when
people in all control other found in
stages of their insects. swimming pools,
lives. water tanks or
toilets.
Hair worm Life Cycle
The life cycle of nematomorphs has 4
stages: (1) the egg, (2) the pre-
parasitic larva, which hatches from
the egg, (3) the parasitic larva that
lives and grows within an invertebrate
(usually insect) host, and (4) the free-
living aquatic adult. The worms
complete nearly all their development
within the insect host, but usually this
is never seen. It is only when the
adults leave their host, which
normally occurs in water, that they
are detected.
PARASITOLOGY
the study of the
interaction
between parasites
and their hosts
PARASITISM
physiological association between two living
organisms in which one associate (the parasite)
has lost its physiological independence and relies
upon the other associate (the host) for its
nutritional requirements, and sometimes for other
metabolic needs. The host not only receives no
benefit in return but is often actively injured by the
parasite.
PARASITES
an organism that lives on
or in a host organism and
gets its food from or at the
expense of its host. There
are three main classes of
parasites that can cause
disease in humans:
protozoa, helminths, and
ectoparasites. Protozoa.
Entamoeba histolytica is a
protozoan
TYPES OF PARASITES
PARASITES
PARASITES
HELMINTHS
PROTOZOAN
are a polyphyletic group of
single-celled eukaryotes,
either free-living or parasitic,
that feed on organic matter
such as other
microorganisms or organic
debris. Historically,
protozoans were regarded as
"one-celled animals".
Symbiosis
The word originated from the
greek word “SYM” which means
together and “BIO/BIOS” which
means life.
Symbiosis is any type of a close
and long-term biological
interaction between two
biological organisms of different
species
Different types of
symbiotic
relationship
What is Symbiotic Relationship?
Symbiotic Relationship - close and
often long interaction between two
different biological species.
Commensalism
(+/0): A relationship in which one organism
benefits, while the other organism is not
significantly affected.
Four Types
Example: is a bird making a nest in a tree.
The tree provides shelter and protection to of Symbiotic
Relationship
the bird without getting significantly harmed
or affected by the bird.
Parasitism
(+/-): A relationship in which one organism, the
parasite, obtains its food at the expense of
another organism, the host.
Example: the relationship between a tick
and a dog. The tick feeds on the dog's blood,
which harms the dog, while the tick benefits
by obtaining nutrients for survival
Mutualism
(+/+): A relationship between two organisms where
both organisms benefit.
Example: is the relationship between bees and
Four Types
of Symbiotic
flowers. Bees collect nectar from flowers for food,
while inadvertently transferring pollen between
flowers, aiding in pollination, which allows plants to
Relationship
reproduce. In return, the flowers provide the bees
with nectar as a food source.
Predation
(+/-): An interaction in which one organism eats
another.
Example: is a lion hunting and consuming a zebra
on the African savanna. The lion preys on the zebra
as a source of food, demonstrating the predator-
prey relationship in an ecosystem.
various forms of parasites and hosts
Parasites can be classified into several categories based on their relationship with their host and their mode
of parasitism:
Endoparasites Ectoparasites Obligate parasites
These parasites live inside the host's These parasites live on the surface of These parasites can only survive by
body. Examples include tapeworms, the host's body. Examples include living on or inside a host organism.
which inhabit the intestines of their fleas, ticks, and lice. They cannot survive independently.
hosts. Malaria parasites are obligate
parasites.
various forms of parasites and hosts
Parasites can be classified into several categories based on their relationship with their host and their mode
of parasitism:
Facultative parasites Microparasites Macro parasites
These parasites can live either These are small parasites such as These are larger parasites such as
independently or as parasites. For bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. They helminths (worms) and arthropods
example, certain fungi are facultative typically reproduce within the host's (e.g., ticks, lice). They are often visible
parasites, as they can live on decaying cells. to the naked eye.
matter or as parasites on plants or
animals.
various forms of parasites and hosts
Parasites can be classified into several categories based on their relationship with their host and their mode
of parasitism:
Social parasites Brood parasites
These parasites exploit social These parasites lay their eggs in the
organisms such as ants or bees. nests of other species, relying on the
Examples include parasitic wasps that host to raise their offspring. The
lay eggs in host insect colonies. common cuckoo is a classic example.
SOURCES OF PARASITIC
INFECTIONS
VARIOUS
Food and Water: Consumption of
contaminated food or water can lead to
infections by parasites like Giardia
SOURCES OF lamblia or Cryptosporidium.
Insect Vectors: Insects such as
mosquitoes, ticks, and flies can transmit
PRASITIC parasites like Plasmodium (malaria),
Trypanosoma (sleeping sickness), or
INFECTIONS
Leishmania (leishmaniasis).
Soil: Parasites like Toxocara canis and
Toxoplasma gondii can be present in soil
contaminated with feces from infected
animals.
Contact with Infected Individuals: Direct
contact with infected individuals or their
bodily fluids can transmit parasites such
as lice, scabies, or sexually transmitted
parasites like Trichomonas vaginalis.
VARIOUS
Animals: Close contact with infected
animals or consumption of
undercooked meat from infected
SOURCES OF animals can lead to parasitic
infections, such as with Taenia
PRASITIC solium (pork tapeworm)
Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid
or
tapeworm).
INFECTIONS Contaminated Surfaces: Touching
contaminated surfaces or objects can
transmit parasites like Enterobius
vermicularis (pinworm) eggs.
Poor Hygiene Practices: Lack of
proper hygiene, such as not washing
hands after using the toilet, can lead
to the spread of parasites like
Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm).
MODES OF
TRANSMISSION
OF PARASITES
MODES OF Fecal-Oral Transmission
Vector-Borne
TRANSMISS Transmission
Direct Contact
ION OF Transmission
PARASITES Sexual Transmission
Vertical Transmission
Zoonotic Transmission
Foodborne Transmission
Respiratory
Transmission
Discuss the various
mechanisms by which
parasites cause
disease in humans
PEREZ, Mitch S.
Direct Tissue Damage
Parasites like helminths (worms) or
protozoa can directly damage tissues or
organs by physically invading them. For
instance, the Schistosoma parasite
causes damage to the liver, intestines,
and bladder in schistosomiasis.
Toxin Production
Some parasites produce toxins that can
harm the host's cells or tissues. For
example, the protozoan parasite
Plasmodium, which causes malaria,
releases toxins as part of its life cycle,
leading to symptoms such as fever,
chills, and organ dysfunction.
Nutrient Competition
Parasites often compete with the host
for essential nutrients, leading to
malnutrition and weakness in the host.
This is seen in infections like hookworm
infestation, where the parasites
consume blood from the host, leading
to anemia and fatigue.
Immune Evasion
Parasites can evade or suppress the
host's immune response, allowing them
to persist in the body and cause chronic
infections. For instance, some parasitic
worms release molecules that
modulate the host's immune system,
preventing it from effectively clearing
the infection.
Transmission of other
Pathogens
Certain parasites can serve as vectors
for other pathogens, such as bacteria or
viruses, thereby indirectly causing
disease in humans. For example, the
Anopheles mosquito transmits both
malaria (caused by Plasmodium) and
various viral diseases.
Mechanical Obstruction
Large parasites or parasite
aggregations can physically obstruct
organs or blood vessels, leading to
conditions such as intestinal blockage
or pulmonary embolism. This is
observed in cases of severe helminth
infections.
Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may develop allergic
reactions to parasites or their
byproducts. For instance, allergic
reactions to dust mites (a type of
parasite) can cause asthma symptoms
in susceptible individuals.
Autoimmune
Responses
In some cases, the presence of
parasites can trigger autoimmune
responses, where the immune system
mistakenly attacks the host's own
tissues. This can lead to conditions like
autoimmune encephalitis associated
with parasitic infections.
Behavioral Changes
Certain parasites can alter the behavior
of their hosts, known as "parasite-
induced behavioral manipulation." For
example, Toxoplasma gondii can alter
the behavior of infected rodents,
making them more susceptible to
predation by cats, which are the
parasite's definitive host.
Describe the proper
way of collecting and
handling specimens
for laboratory
diagnosis.
PEREZ, Mitch S.
1. Identify the Specimen - Know what type of specimen is
needed for the specific test
2. Use Sterile Containers - Ensure that the containers used
for collecting specimens are sterile and appropriate for the
type of specimen.
3. Follow Aseptic Techniques - Use proper aseptic
techniques during specimen collection to prevent
contamination
4. Labeling - Label each specimen container accurately and
legibly with patient information (name, ID number,
date/time of collection) and specimen type.
5. Collect Adequate Volume - Collect the recommended
volume of specimen as per the laboratory's guidelines.
6. Maintain Specimen Integrity - Handle specimens
carefully to avoid damage or alteration of the sample.
7. Transportation - If the specimen needs to be
transported to the laboratory, follow proper transport
guidelines
8. Temperature Control - Some specimens, such as blood
or CSF, may require specific temperature conditions during
transport to preserve their integrity.
9. Document Handling - Document the collection, handling,
and transport of specimens accurately. Record details such
as collection date/time, handling procedures, storage
conditions, and any deviations from standard protocols.
10. Laboratory Receiving - When the specimens arrive at the
laboratory, ensure they are promptly logged in and
processed according to the testing requirements. Follow any
additional instructions provided by the laboratory staff.
PROCEDURES
USED FOR
LABORATORY
DIAGNOSIS OF
PARASITIC
INFECTIONS
TORIO JESSICA B.
PARASITIC
INFECTIONS
diseases caused by organisms
that live off of another living thing.
They can cause fever, fatigue,
intestinal symptoms, skin rashes
or neurological symptoms. You
can get them from contaminated
food, water or surfaces, bug bites
and eating undercooked meat.
Antiparasitic medications treat
parasitic infections.
PROTOZOAL
INFECTIONS
Protozoa are single-celled
parasites. They can infect
your blood, intestinal tract
(gut), brain, skin, eyes and
other parts of your body.
HELMINTH
INFECTIONS
Helminth is a general term for parasitic
worms. Scientists further classify them
as flukes (trematodes), tapeworms
(cestodes), roundworms (nematodes)
and thorny-headed worms
(acanthocephalans). Both adults and
immature (larval) helminths can infect
you. Helminths usually infect your
intestinal tract, but they can also infect
your skin, brain and other tissues.
ECTOPARASITES
Ectoparasites are insects
and arachnids (spider-like
bugs) that burrow into your
skin and live there. This
includes ticks, mites, lice
and fleas. They usually don’t
infect other parts of your
body.
COMMON
PARASITIC
INFECTIONS
MALARIA
a serious disease that
spreads when you’re bitten
by a mosquito infected by
tiny parasites. When it
bites, the mosquito injects
malaria parasites into your
bloodstream. Malaria is
caused by the parasites,
not by a virus or by a type
of bacterium.
TOXOPLASMOSIS
an infection caused by the parasite
Toxoplasma gondii. Pregnant people
can pass the infection on to a fetus.
Those with weakened immune
systems are at risk for life-
threatening complications. You get
toxoplasmosis after contact with cat
poop (feces) or eating contaminated
food.
TOXOPLASMA GONDII
GIARDIASIS
common illness caused by a
parasite that may result in
diarrhea and stomach
cramps. The Giardia
parasite can spread through
contaminated water, food
and surfaces, and from
contact with someone who
has it. Antibiotics can treat
giardiasis.
PINWORMS
also known as
threadworms, are tiny white
or light gray worms that
cause the common infection
called enterobiasis. Usually
found in children, pinworm
can be treated with anti-
parasitic medications that
do not require a
prescription.
SYMPTOMS OF PARASITIC
INFECTIONS
Fever.
Muscle aches.
Fatigue.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
DIAGNOSTIC
OF
PARAASITIC
INFECTIONS
FECAL (STOOL)
EXAM
also called an ova and
parasite test (O&P)
ENDOSCOPY/
COLONOSCOPY
This test is used when stool exams
do not reveal the cause of your
diarrhea.This test is a procedure in
which a tube is inserted into the
mouth (endoscopy) or rectum
(colonoscopy) so that the doctor,
usually a gastroenterologist, can
examine the intestine.
ENDOSCOPY
COLONOSCOPY
BLOOD TEST
Some, but not all, parasitic
infections can be detected
by testing your blood
BLOOD TEST
TYPES OF
BLOOD TEST
SEROLOGY
BLOOD SMEAR
SEROLOGY
This test is used to look for
antibodies or for parasite
antigens produced when
the body is infected with a
parasite and the immune
system is trying to fight off
the invader.
SEROLOGY
BLOOD SMEAR
This test is used to look for
parasites that are found in the
blood. By looking at a blood
smear under a microscope,
parasitic diseases such as
filariasis, malaria, or babesiosis,
can be diagnosed.
BLOD SMEAR
BLOOD SMEAR
X-RAY, MAGNETIC
RESONANCE
IMAGING (MRI) SCAN,
COMPUTERIZED
AXIAL TOMOGRAPHY
SCAN (CAT)
THESE TESTS ARE
USED TO LOOK FOR
SOME PARASITIC
DISEASES THAT MAY
CAUSE LESIONS IN
THE ORGANS.
LUMBAR PUNCTURE
(SPINAL TAP)
diagnostic procedure where a healthcare
provider removes cerebrospinal fluid from
your spine. You won’t feel the procedure as
it happens, as you’ll receive an anesthetic. A
spinal tap can diagnose conditions that
affect your brain, nerves and spinal cord
like meningitis, leukemia and encephalitis.
LUMBAR
PUNCTURE
TAXONOMIC
CLASSIFICATION
OF PARASITES
TORIO JESSICA B.
REFERRENCES
PARASITIC DISEASES
PARASITIC INFECTIONS
HAIR WORM
PROTOZOA
DIAGNOSIS OF PARASITIC DISEASES
REFERRENCES
TAXONOMIC CLASSIFICATION
PARASITES: PROTOZOAN
