MEDICAL

PARASITOLOGY
 WHAT IS MEDICAL
PARASITOLOGY?
Parasitolgy is a study of parasites, their
hosts and the relationship between them.

Medical Parasitology is the subject that

which deals with the parasites that infect man,
the diseases caused by them, clinical picture
and the response generated by man against
them. It also concerns various methods of their
diagnosis, treatment and finally their
prevention and control.
 PARASITE?
Parasite is a living organism that acquires
some of its basic nutritional requirements
through its intimate contact with another
living organism. Parasites may be simple
unicellular protozoa or complex
multicellular metazoa.

Ex: Plasmodium, Helminthes etc.,

 TYPES OF
PARASITES
Endoparasite: A parasite that lives within other
living organism is called an endoparasite.
Ex: malaria, giardia etc.,

Ectoparasite: A parasite that lives on the

external surface of the other living organism is
called an ectoparasite.
Ex: lice, ticks etc.,
 HUMAN PARASITES
Acanthamoeba: affects eye and/or brain
Babesiosis: affects the red blood cells
Coccidia: affects the intestines
Giardia: affects the lumen of small intestine
Rhinosporidiois: affects the nose and
nasopharynx
Toxoplasmosis: affects the liver, heart, eyes and
brain
Trichomoniasis: affects the female urogenital
tract
 SYMPTOMS
Various symptoms of the parasitic diseases are:
Anemia
Diarrhea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Itchy anus or vagina
Aches and pains
Allergies
Sleeping problems
Anxiety
General malaise
 CAUSES
Parasitic infections can be caused by three
types of organisms:

Protozoa
Helminths
Ectoparasites
 PREVENTION
Washing hands with sanitizer
Sanitation
Avoid untreated water
Wash fruits and vegetables
Maintenance of proper hygiene
Avoid exposure to heavy pollution
Washing clothes before wearing
Control of vectors
 DIAGNOSIS

Ova and parasite exam

Endoscopy/colonoscopy
Blood tests
X-ray
VARIOUS ANTI PARASITIC
AGENTS
Artesunate
Benznidazole
Diethylcarbamazine (DEC)
Melarsopro
Nifurtimox
Sodium Stibogluconate (Pentostam)
Suramin
THANK YOU