Boards Review: Microbiology (Parasites)

Plasmodium spp. causes malaria. Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that affects humans and other animals. It is caused by the parasites of the Plasmodium genus, which are transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. These parasites infect and multiply within red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and fatigue. If left untreated, malaria can be life-threatening, particularly in young children and pregnant women. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat malaria promptly to prevent complications and reduce the spread of the disease.

Trichomonas vaginalis does not form cysts. This protozoan parasite primarily exists in its motile form, which is a flagellated trophozoite. It does not undergo encystation or form cysts like some other parasites. Trichomonas vaginalis is transmitted through sexual contact and primarily inhabits the urogenital tract, causing a sexually transmitted infection known as trichomoniasis.

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan that can infect humans and animals. It has a complex life cycle, involving both sexual and asexual reproduction. During its asexual phase, Toxoplasma gondii can form cysts. These cysts are a dormant stage of the parasite, allowing it to survive in the host's tissues for long periods of time. The cysts can be found in various organs, such as the brain and muscles, and can cause chronic infections. Therefore, the answer to the question is yes, Toxoplasma gondii does form cysts.

Beaver fever, also known as giardiasis, is an infection caused by the parasite Giardia. While it can cause diarrhea, it typically does not result in bloody diarrhea. The symptoms of beaver fever usually include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, and nausea. However, if the infection becomes severe or prolonged, it can lead to weight loss and dehydration. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have beaver fever or any other gastrointestinal infection.

Necator americanus is commonly known as hookworm.

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that has a cat as its definitive host. This means that the parasite completes its life cycle and reproduces sexually in the intestines of cats. Cats become infected by ingesting the parasite through eating infected prey or contaminated food. The parasite then forms cysts in various tissues of the cat's body, including the muscles and brain. Other animals, including humans, can become infected by ingesting the parasite through contaminated food or water, but they are considered intermediate hosts as the parasite cannot reproduce sexually in their bodies.

Pneumocystis carinii overgrows in immunocompromised patients. This is because the immune system of these patients is weakened, making them more susceptible to infections. Pneumocystis carinii is a fungal pathogen that commonly causes pneumonia in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive medications.

Entamoeba histolytica is the organism that causes amoebic dysentery. This single-celled parasite infects the intestines and can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It is transmitted through contaminated food or water, and can be found worldwide, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and further spread of the infection.

The vector for African sleeping sickness is the tsetse fly. This fly is responsible for transmitting the parasitic infection called African trypanosomiasis, which causes the sleeping sickness. The tsetse fly becomes infected with the parasite when it feeds on the blood of an infected human or animal. It then transmits the parasite to other individuals when it bites and feeds on their blood. Therefore, the tsetse fly is the carrier or vector for African sleeping sickness.

Diphyllobothrium latum is a type of parasite known as a fish tapeworm. It is commonly found in freshwater fish and can infect humans who consume raw or undercooked fish. The parasite attaches itself to the intestines of its host and absorbs nutrients from the food consumed by the host. Diphyllobothrium latum can cause a condition called diphyllobothriasis, which can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Therefore, the correct answer is fish tapeworm.

The common name for Ascaris lumbricoides is "human roundworm." This parasite is a type of roundworm that infects the intestines of humans. It is one of the most common parasitic infections worldwide and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition. The term "roundworm" is also a correct answer, as it refers to a general category of worms that have a cylindrical shape and are found in various species.

Filariasis is transmitted through mosquitoes. Mosquitoes act as vectors for the filarial parasites, which are microscopic worms that cause the disease. When an infected mosquito bites a person, it injects the parasites into their bloodstream. These parasites then travel to the lymphatic system, where they can cause blockages and inflammation, leading to the symptoms of filariasis. Therefore, the correct answer is mosquito/mosquitoes.

Schistosoma spp are associated with snails. These parasites have a complex life cycle that involves snails as an intermediate host. The adult worms live in the blood vessels of humans and other mammals, where they produce eggs. These eggs are then released into the environment through feces or urine. Once in the water, the eggs hatch and develop into larvae, which infect specific species of snails. Inside the snails, the larvae undergo further development before being released back into the water, where they can infect humans and continue the cycle of infection. Therefore, snails act as a reservoir for Schistosoma spp.

Trypanosoma brucei is the correct answer because it is the organism responsible for causing African sleeping sickness. This parasitic protozoan is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected tsetse flies. Once inside the human body, the parasite multiplies and spreads to the lymph nodes, blood, and eventually the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. If left untreated, African sleeping sickness can be fatal.

The correct answer is "basic, 5-6". Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic protozoan that causes trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection. The pH of the vagina plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance of microorganisms. A pH range of 5-6 is considered normal for the vagina. However, when the pH becomes more alkaline or basic, it creates an environment that is conducive to the growth and infection of Trichomonas vaginalis. Therefore, a basic pH in the range of 5-6 is most conducive to infection with Trichomonas vaginalis.

Hookworm is a type of parasite that can cause spoon nails, anemia, and stunted growth. Spoon nails, also known as koilonychia, is a condition where the nails become concave and thin, resembling a spoon. Anemia occurs when there is a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. Stunted growth refers to a failure to reach the expected height or size for a person's age group. Hookworms are known to cause these symptoms as they attach themselves to the lining of the intestines and feed on blood, leading to nutrient deficiencies and impaired growth.

Anopheles spp. mosquitoes are the vectors for malaria. They are responsible for transmitting the malaria parasite from infected humans to healthy individuals. Mosquitoes in general are known to transmit various diseases, but specifically, Anopheles mosquitoes are the carriers of the malaria parasite. Therefore, they play a crucial role in the spread of malaria.

A schistosome is a type of parasite known as a blood fluke. Blood flukes are parasitic flatworms that infect the blood vessels of their hosts, including humans. They have a complex life cycle that involves multiple stages and hosts. Schistosomes are responsible for causing a disease called schistosomiasis, which affects millions of people worldwide. The parasites enter the human body through contaminated water and can cause various symptoms and complications. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is "blood fluke."

The fetus is most at risk for serious complications if infected by Toxoplasma gondii. This is because the parasite can cross the placenta and infect the developing baby, leading to severe health issues such as brain damage, vision problems, and developmental delays. Pregnant women who contract the infection for the first time during pregnancy are particularly vulnerable, as they may pass the infection to their unborn child. Taking precautions to avoid exposure to the parasite, such as avoiding raw or undercooked meat and practicing good hygiene, is essential for pregnant women to protect themselves and their fetus from Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Taenia spp are parasites that are commonly found in pigs and cows. They infect the intestines of these animals and can cause diseases in both humans and animals. The life cycle of Taenia spp involves the consumption of contaminated meat, usually from pigs or cows, which then leads to the infection of the new host. Therefore, the correct answer is pigs, cows.

Trichinella spiralis is a parasite that can be contracted from consuming undercooked pork or bear meat. This parasite is commonly found in the muscle tissue of these animals and can cause a parasitic infection called trichinellosis in humans. Symptoms of trichinellosis can include muscle pain, fever, swelling around the eyes, and gastrointestinal issues. It is important to cook pork and bear meat thoroughly to kill any potential parasites and prevent infection.

Elephantiasis, also known as elephantitis, is caused by parasitic infections transmitted by mosquitoes. The parasites responsible for this condition are Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and B. timori. These parasites infect the lymphatic system, leading to blockages and swelling in the affected areas, typically the legs and genitals. The infection can cause severe swelling and disfigurement, giving the affected body parts an elephant-like appearance.

Taenia spp is a type of parasite that is commonly known as the beef or pork tapeworm. It can infect humans who consume undercooked or raw beef or pork contaminated with the parasite's larvae. The tapeworm can grow inside the human intestine and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and digestive issues. Therefore, both "Beef or pork tapeworm" and "pork or beef tapeworm" are correct ways to describe Taenia spp.