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INTRODUCTION TO PARASITOLOGY

BASIC CONCEPTS, TYPES OF PARASITES, AND DISEASES

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WHAT IS PARASITOLOGY?

  • Branch of biology dealing with parasites and parasitism
    • Study of parasite-host relationship
    • Important in human, animal, and plant health

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DEFINITION OF PARASITE

  • An organism that lives on or inside another organism
    • Derives nutrition at the expense of the host
    • Causes harm or disease to the host

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TYPES OF HOSTS

  • Definitive host – sexual reproduction occurs
    • Intermediate host – larval or asexual stage
    • Reservoir host – maintains parasite in nature

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TYPES OF PARASITES

  • Ectoparasites – live on body surface
    • Endoparasites – live inside the host
    • Obligate and facultative parasites

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CLASSIFICATION OF PARASITES

  • Protozoa
    • Helminths (worms)
    • Arthropods

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PROTOZOA

  • Unicellular organisms
    • Examples: Plasmodium, Entamoeba, Giardia
    • Cause diseases like malaria and amoebiasis

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HELMINTHS

  • Multicellular worms
    • Nematodes, cestodes, trematodes
    • Examples: Ascaris, Taenia, Schistosoma

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ARTHROPODS

  • Insects and arachnids
    • Act as parasites or disease vectors
    • Examples: mosquitoes, lice, ticks

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MODES OF TRANSMISSION

  • Contaminated food and water
    • Insect bites
    • Direct contact
    • Poor hygiene and sanitation

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COMMON PARASITIC DISEASES

  • Malaria
    • Amoebiasis
    • Ascariasis
    • Leishmaniasis

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DIAGNOSIS OF PARASITIC DISEASES

  • Microscopic examination
    • Blood and stool tests
    • Serological and molecular methods

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PREVENTION AND CONTROL

  • Proper sanitation
    • Safe drinking water
    • Vector control
    • Health education

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IMPORTANCE OF PARASITOLOGY

  • Public health significance
    • Veterinary importance
    • Agricultural impact

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CONCLUSION

  • Parasitology is essential for disease control
    • Understanding parasites helps improve health
    • Prevention is better than cure