parasitism

(noun)

Interaction between two organisms, in which one organism (the parasite) benefits and the other (the host) is harmed.

Related Terms

  • commensalism
  • mutualism

Examples of parasitism in the following topics:

  • Distribution and Importance of Parasitic Worms

    • Parasitic worms, distributed worldwide, are hypothesized to have importance in immune system regulation.
    • Parasitic worms, often the result of horrible illness and disease, appear to have medicinal properties as well.
    • The importance of parasitic worms has come to light in regards to treating various diseases which may benefit from their presence.
    • It is argued that humans have evolved with parasitic worms and there is a mutualistic relationship which mandates the need for parasitic worms to contribute to a healthy immune system.
    • The study showed that parasitic worm infection results in an increase in eosinophils, thus, promoting control of glucose maintenance .
  • Babesiosis

    • Babesiosis is a malaria-like parasitic disease caused by infection with Babesia, a parasite transmitted to human hosts by ticks.
    • Babesiosis is a malaria-like parasitic disease caused by Babesia.
    • In the blood, the parasites will then differentiate into male and female gametes.
    • Diagnosis of babesiosis is performed using a Giemsa-test for parasitic identification.
    • Outline the life cycle of the Babesia microti parasite that causes babesiosis
  • Helminths

    • Parasitic worms, often referred to as helminths, are a division of eukaryotic parasites.
    • Parasitic worms, often referred to as helminths, are a division of eukaryotic parasites.
    • Those that live inside the digestive tract are called intestinal parasites .
    • Populations in the developing world are at particular risk for infestation with parasitic worms.
    • List the four groups of parasitic worms (helminths), routes of transmission and risk factors
  • Classification and Identification of Helminths

    • Helminths, or parasitic worms, are eukaryotic parasites characterized by their ability to feed and live on living hosts.
    • Helminths and multicellular eukaryotes, can either be free-living or parasitic.
    • These parasites live in and feed on hosts which allow them to obtain nourishment while disrupting the hosts' nutrient absorption.
    • Parasitic worms are commonly found within the intestine and thus, are called intestinal parasites.
  • Ecology, Epidemiology, and Evolution of Pathogens

    • Diseases can emerge when existing parasites become pathogenic or when new pathogenic parasites enter a new host.
    • Coevolution between parasite and host can lead to hosts becoming resistant to the parasites or the parasites may evolve greater virulence, leading to immunopathological disease.
    • Optimal virulence is a concept relating to the ecology of hosts and parasites.
    • One definition of this is the host's parasite-induced loss of fitness.
    • Thus, there is a natural force providing pressure on the parasite to "self-limit" its virulence.
  • Schistosomiasis

    • Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by various species of trematodes or "flukes," which are of the genus Schistosoma.
    • Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by various species of trematodes or "flukes," which are of the genus Schistosoma.
    • For parasites categorized as schistosomes, the snail is the intermediary agent between the mammalian hosts.
    • Upon contact with contaminated water, the parasitic larvae can penetrate the skin and mature within the organ tissues.
    • The parasite secretes enzymes that break down the skin's protein to enable penetration of the cercarial head through the skin.
  • Antiprotozoan and Antihelminthic Drugs

    • Parasites are organisms that live on or in a host organism to obtain food.
    • Two major classes of parasitic organisms include protozoa and helminths.
    • This parasite is injected into humans via mosquitoes.
    • Other types of antiprotozan drugs specifically target metabolic mechanisms utilized by the parasite.
    • Parasitic helminths worms include: tapeworms, flukes, leeches and hookworms.
  • Nematodes

    • Nematodes are also capable of exhibiting parasitic behavior that contribute to digestive system diseases.
    • Analysis of parasitic nematodes reveals the presence of specific body structures which promote parasitic behaviors such as ridges, rings or bristles that allow for attachment.
    • Ascariasis is a disease that is caused by the parasitic roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides.
    • Enterobius, referred to as pinworm, is a type of parasitic nematode that is commonly found in the intestine of children.
    • Compare and contrast mechanisms of infection for the parasitic nematodes: Ascaris lumbricoides and Enterobius
  • Swimmer's Itch

    • It is caused by an immune response that is activated upon the entry of a water-borne flatworm parasite named schistosomatidae into the skin.
    • There are numerous types of flatworm parasites within the family Schistosomatidae that can cause swimmer's itch.
    • The life cycle of these parasites is characterized by their use of both freshwater snails and vertebrates as hosts.
    • During the life stage of these parasites, the larvae of the parasite, cercaria, exit the water snails and can accidentally come into contact with the skin of a swimmer.
    • Outline the general life cycle of the Schistosomatidae parasite that causes schistosome cercarial dermatitis
  • Cryptosporidiosis

    • Cryptosporidiosis is a type of parasitic disease caused by Cryptosporidium that infects the gastrointestinal system.
    • Cryptosporidiosis is a type of parasitic disease caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium.
    • Other pathogens classified in this phylum include the malaria parasite and the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis.
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