What is a Parasite |Classify Parasites or types of Parasite|Pathological Conditions Caused by Each | Parasite Examples | Parasite Definition

What is a Parasite

A living organism which receives nourishment and shelter from another organism where it lives.

Classification of Parasites:

1.Ectoparasite:Lives outside on the surface of the body of the host.e.g.mite,louce.

2.Endoparasite:Lives inside the body of the host in the blood,tissue,body cavities,digestive tract and other organs.e.g.Entamoeba histolytica in liver and large intestine.

3.Temporary parasite: Visits it's host for a short period.e.g.Plasmodium malariae.

4.Permanent Parasites:Leads a parasitic life throughout the whole period of its life.e.g.

•Ankylostoma duodenale(Hookworm)
•Ascarris lumbricoides (Round worm)
•T. Vaginalis.

5.Faculative parasite:Lives a parasitic life when opportunity arises.e.g.Cryptococcus neoformance.

6.Obligatory Parasite: Cannot exist without a parasitic life.e.g.Plasmodium,Ascaris lumbricoides.

7.Occasional /Accidental Parasite:

Attacks an unusual host.e.g.Balantidium coli in pig,In man-hydatid cyst(E. granulosus)

8.Wandering /Aberrant Parasite: Happens to reach a place where it cannot live e.g. Trichinella spiralis.

Question:Name Parasites found in blood.

Parasites found in blood

1) Plasmodia

2) Trypanosoma brucei

3) Leishmania donovani

4)Brugia malayi

5)Wuchereria bancrofti

6)Trypanosoma cruzi



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