Parasitology

Ascaris lumbricoides is a parasitic nematode roundworm that inhabits the small intestine of humans. These worms belong to the Ascarididae family, the Secernentea class, and the Oxyurida order. These parasites are commonly discovered in pigs. They are large roundworms measuring up to 40 centimeters in length, with a mouth surrounded by three lips. Ascariasis is … Read more

Ancylostoma duodenale Ancylostoma duodenale is a species of the Ancylostoma genus. The hookworm of the Old World is a parasitic nematode worm. It matures and reproduces in the small intestines of humans, cats, and canines. Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus are the two hookworm species commonly cited as the cause of hookworm infection in humans. … Read more

What is Cysticercosis? Clinical manifestations of Cysticercosis Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium. The clinical manifestations of cysticercosis depend on the location of the cysticerci (larval stage) within the body. It’s worth noting that not all patients with cysticercosis will experience symptoms. Asymptomatic cysticercosis is often … Read more

What is Host-Parasite Interactions? Types of Parasites Parasites can be broadly classified into two major types based on their location in the host organism’s body: Both endoparasites and ectoparasites can cause harm to the host organism and lead to various health problems, ranging from minor skin irritation to severe diseases. Understanding the type and location … Read more

Fasciola hepatica – Classification Kingdom Animalia Phylum Platyhelminthes Class Trematoda Subclass Digenea Order Echinostomida Genus Fasciola Species hepatica Fasciola hepatica General Characteristics Habitat of Fasciola hepatica Hosts of Fasciola hepatica History and distribution of Fasciola hepatica Epidemiology of Fasciola hepatica Morphology of Fasciola hepatica/Structure of Fasciola Hepatica Shape, Size and Colour External Morphology Internal Morphology The architecture of F. hepatica’s body … Read more

Fasciola Hepatica Life Cycle of Fasciola Hepatica Fasciola hepatica completes its life cycle in two hosts. The definitive or primary host is a sheep or cow, while the intermediate or secondary host is a small of the genus Limnaea. Its life cycle consists of a number of larval stages that reproduce asexually (polyembryony). Copulation, Fertilization … Read more

Strongyloides stercoralis Distribution of Strongyloides stercoralis Habitat of Strongyloides stercoralis Morphology of Strongyloides stercoralis There are two different species of Strongyloides stercolaris: parasitic and free-living. The females are easily found during the parasite phase, but not the males. Parasitic female Parasitic males Eggs Larva The larva of S. Stercoratis is of two types: 1. Rhabditiform larva (first stage larva) 2. … Read more

What is Loa loa? Epidemiology of Loiasis Morphology of Loa loa Loa loa Life Cycle The life cycle of Loa loa is a complex process involving two hosts: humans as the definitive host and Chrysops flies as the intermediate host. The cycle begins with the transmission of the parasite through the bite of an infected … Read more

What is Schistosoma haematobium? Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Platyhelminthes Class: Trematoda Order: Diplostomida Family: Schistosomatidae Genus: Schistosoma Species: S. haematobium Characteristics of Schistosoma haematobium Structure of Schistosoma haematobium Geographic Distribution Habitat Life cycle of Schistosoma haematobium Pathogenicity of Schistosoma haematobium Hosts of Schistosoma haematobium Schistosoma haematobium is the parasite responsible for schistosomiasis. Schistosoma haematobium’s intermediate host … Read more

Taenia solium is unique among Taenia species in that it can use its definitive host (human) as an intermediate host. The oncosphere larva can infect a human host via external autoinfection, in which feces-expelled eggs are ingested orally. Internal autoinfection, in which a larva can infect its host without being expelled via feces, has not … Read more