PARASITE

 

PARASITE

Parasite is a living organism that spend its life in other living organism(host) and feed all nutrition from it grow, multiply and get harm to that organism.

Parasites can be classified into three main categories: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites.

Protozoa

Protozoa are single-celled organisms such as Giardia, which can cause gastrointestinal diseases.

Helminthes

Helminths are larger parasites like tapeworms and roundworms that live in the intestines and other tissues, leading to significant health issues

Ectoparasite

Ectoparasites, include ticks and lice, attach to outer surfaces of their hosts and can transmit diseases.

  

Microscopic Bioluminescent Protozoa

A LITTILE DISCRIPTION TO THE LIFE CYCLE OF A PARASITE.

A life cycle of a parasite explains how it interact with its host. A parasite depends on its host for life, food and reproduction often causes various diseases in host body in the process.

STAGES IN THE LIFE CYCLE OF A PARASITE

Egg Stage

 The life cycle of a parasite usually starts when mature adult lay eggs inside the host body often in or on a host or in the environment.

Larva Stage

 The eggs hatch into larvae The larvae of parasitic species often represent critical stages in the life cycle where transmission to new hosts or further development occurs.

Infection stage

The larva enters a host, either through mouth or skin causes several infections.

Development stage in Host

 In the host body, the parasite grows and matures. It lives in different parts of the host's body, depending on its type. For example, some may live in the intestines, while others might attack tissues.

Reproduction/Multiplication

When they get mature, the parasite multiply, either by laying more eggs or by other means, depending on its species.

RELEASE OF EGGS

The new eggs or larvae are released back into the environment, either through the host's waste, through the skin, or by another method, starting the cycle all over again.

Mosquito biting on skin

 SOME DESTRUCTIVE PARASITES:

 Plasmodium spp.(Malaria)

Female anopheles’ mosquito carries the plasmodium germs inside its body when this mosquito bites to human skin it transmits that plasmodium(parasite) to human body this parasite infects red blood cells and can cause severe illness or death. Malaria has been responsible for millions of deaths globally.

 Trypanosoma brucei (Sleeping Sickness)

 Tsetse fly carry trypanosoma brucei parasite when this tsetse fly bites to human this parasite transmitted by the tsetse fly in human body, causes African trypanosomiasis, this parasite affects the central nervous system and can be fatal if untreated. It is prevalent in parts of Africa.

 Schistosoma spp. (Schistosomiasis)

This disease is caused by the parasitic worm commonly called as blood fluke. It is transmitted in human body through contact with contaminated freshwater, often during activities like swimming, fishing, or bathing in infested water bodies. This parasitic worm causes significant morbidity, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It can lead to severe bladder and liver damage.

 

Toxoplasma gondii: (Toxoplasmosis)

It is caused by the parasitic protozoa transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water.  It is commonly transmitted through cat feces. It can cause serious health issues in pregnant women.

 

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Preventative measures are essential to reduce of parasitic disorders. Proper sanitation practices, purification of water, proper food handling techniques, wearing full body clothing in endemic areas, and maintaining good personal hygiene are key strategies in controlling parasite transmission. Additionally, raising awareness about these various parasite types will help individuals to take proactive steps for their health. By understanding the threats cause by these organisms and implementing effective prevention methods, we can significantly decrease the risks of parasitic infections.