Study Guide Qs Act 7

STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. How parasites cause a disease to humans?

- Parasites can cause disease in humans via a variety of methods that vary according to
their individual traits and life cycles. A parasite establishes itself in the human body and
begins to proliferate or expand. Parasites can directly damage host tissues and organs
during this process by their physical presence or by producing poisons. Certain parasitic
worms, for example, can cling to the lining of the intestines, producing inflammation and
affecting nutrient absorption. Parasites can stimulate the host's immune system,
resulting in an inflammatory response. As the body attempts to destroy the parasite, the
immune reaction might cause damage to healthy tissues or organs.
In addition, parasites can cause illness by interfering with regular physiological

functions. They may fight for critical nutrients with the host, resulting in starvation and
frailty. Some parasites have complicated life cycles that involve many host species or
stages, and they can cause disease by directly entering and destroying various organs or
tissues during their life cycle. The malaria parasite, for example, invades and destroys
red blood cells, resulting in anemia and organ failure.
2. Enumerate and briefly explain the different host-parasite relationship.
In the field of Microbiology and Parasitology, there are various types of host-parasite
relationships that can occur between organisms. Here are some of the most common
ones:
1. Mutualism: A mutualistic connection benefits both the parasite and the host. The
parasite lives in or on the host and benefits the host by providing some advantage or
essential function. The link between certain bacteria in our intestines and people is an
example of mutualism. These bacteria aid digestion in exchange for nutrition and a home
from the host.
2. Commensalism: The parasite benefits from the interaction in commensalism, while

the host is neither hurt nor benefited considerably. The parasite lives on or within the
host, using resources or seeking shelter without causing obvious harm. The association
between certain mites or bacteria that live on human skin is an example of
commensalism. They receive food and shelter from the host without causing any harm.
3. Parasitism: The parasite gains from the relationship at the expense of the host,
producing harm or injury. The parasite lives on or within the host, consuming resources
and possibly producing diseases or other negative effects. Malaria parasites
(Plasmodium species) spread by mosquitoes and infecting humans, causing malaria, are
examples of parasitic partnerships, as are tapeworms residing in the intestines of
animals or humans.
4. Predation: Predation is a sort of host-parasite relationship in which the parasite

actively pursues, captures, and consumes the host for nutrition. The predator feeds on
the host's tissues or bodily fluids, culminating in the host's death. Predation is
demonstrated by parasitic wasps that lay their eggs on or inside other insects, eventually
killing the host.
3. Why parasites are not considered microorganisms?
- Parasites are not considered microbes because of their size and complexity.
Microorganisms, often known as microbes, are microscopic organisms visible only under
a microscope. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and some protozoa are among them. These
organisms are mostly single-celled or have simple multicellular structures. Parasites, on
the other hand, are organisms that live in or on another organism known as the host and
get their sustenance from it. Worms, ticks, and fleas are examples of parasites that can
range in size from microscopic to macroscopic. They have more complicated structures
and frequently have complex life cycles with numerous stages of development.
Another significant distinction is that microbes can exist independently and perform
many biological activities. They have the ability to reproduce, digest nutrition, and
perform other life tasks without the need for a host organism. Parasites, on the other
hand, rely on the host for survival and reproduction. They have developed specific
adaptations to exploit and feed on their hosts, frequently causing harm or disease in the
process. Because of their fundamental differences in size, complexity, and reliance on a
host organism, parasites and microbes are classified separately in the sciences of
microbiology and parasitology.
4. Enumerate the infective stage and mode of transmission of the intestinal nematodes
above.
Intestinal nematodes, also known as intestinal worms, are a group of parasitic worms
that commonly infect the human intestines. The infective stages and modes of
transmission can vary among different types of intestinal nematodes. Here are some
examples:
1. Ascaris Lumbricoides(roundworm):
Infective Stage: The infective stage of Ascaris Lumbricoides is the mature eggs present in
the feces of an infected individual.
Mode of Transmission: The eggs are consumed via infected food or drink. When the eggs
are consumed, they hatch in the intestines, and the larvae move through the bloodstream
to the lungs. They migrate up the respiratory route from the lungs and are ingested
before reaching the small intestine, where they mature into adult worms.
2. Enterobius Vermicularis (pinworm):

Infective Stage: The infective stage of Enterobius Vermicularis is the fully developed
eggs.
Mode of Transmission:The eggs are usually passed from person to person through the
consumption of infected food or water or through direct contact with contaminated
surfaces. The eggs hatch in the small intestine after ingestion, and the larvae mature in
the large intestine. Adult female worms then move to the perianal area to lay their eggs
at night.
3. Trichuris trichiura (whipworm):
Infective Stage: The infective stage of Trichuris trichiura is the embryonated eggs.
Mode of Transmission: Typically, the eggs are discovered in soil contaminated with
human feces. Ingestion of contaminated food or drink, particularly vegetables or fruits in
contact with dirt, might result in infection. When the eggs are consumed, they hatch in
the small intestine, and the larvae migrate to the large intestine, where they mature into
adult worms.
4. Necator americanus and Ancylostoma Duodenale (hookworms):

Infective Stage: The infective stage of hookworms is the filariform larvae.
Mode of Transmission: When in contact with polluted soil, the larvae can penetrate the
skin, commonly through bare feet. This might happen while going barefoot or doing
hobbies like farming or gardening. The larvae then migrate via the circulation to the
lungs, where they crawl along the respiratory tract before being ingested and maturing
into adult worms in the small intestine.

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STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS:

1. How parasites cause a disease to humans?

In addition, parasites can cause illness by interfering with regular physiological

2. Enumerate and briefly explain the different host-parasite relationship.

2. Commensalism: The parasite benefits from the interaction in commensalism, while

4. Predation: Predation is a sort of host-parasite relationship in which the parasite

2. Enterobius Vermicularis (pinworm):

4. Necator americanus and Ancylostoma Duodenale (hookworms):

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