Comprehensive Parasitology Notes for DRKS321
These detailed notes cover key topics from the DRKS321 Parasitology module, perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding and excel in exams. The content includes:
Overview of Parasitology: Definition, types of parasites, and host-par...
− Interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association,
benefits either or both.
Mutualism:
− Interspecific cooperation is the way in which two organisms of different kinds exist in
a relationship where each individual benefits from the activity of another.
Commensalism:
− Relationship between individuals of a species in which one species derives food or
other benefits from the other without harming the second organism (Gathering
birds)
Parasitism:
− Relationship between two species of plants or animals in which one benefits at the
expense of the other, sometimes without killing the host organism.
Phoresis:
− Inter-species biological interaction in ecology and refers to a form of symbiosis
where the symbiont, called phoront, and mechanically transported by its host.
− Where one organism uses another for transport without harming host.
Ectoparasites:
− a parasite that lives on the outside side of a host's body.
Endoparasites:
− Any of several parasites that live in the internal organs of animals.
Obligatory parasites:
− Parasitic organism that cannot complete its life cycle without
exploiting a suitable host.
Facultative parasites:
− Parasite is an organism that can resort to parasitic activity, but does not rely on any
host for the completion of its life cycle.
− E.g. free-living Amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)
1
,Accidental parasite:
− Parasite settles on or in host they do not normally live in.
− Toxocara canis
Permanent parasite:
− Parasite that remains on its host until adulthood or spends
its whole life on host.
Parasitoid:
− an organism that is in close association with its host and
lives at the host's expense and which sooner or later will kill it.
− E.g. WASP & Aphid
Host:
− A host is an organism that has a parasitic, a mutualistic, or a
commensalistic guest (symbiont), the guest is usually
supplied with food and shelter.
Intermediate Host:
− Organism that supports the immature or non-reproductive
forms of a parasite.
Host Specifically:
− Host specificity can be defined as natural adaptability of a particular parasite to
certain species or groups of host.
− E.g. Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (people)
T. b. rhodesiense (people)
T. congolense (Cattle)
T. b. brucei (Cattle)
T. vivax (Cattle)
Reservoir host:
− a host that serves as a source of infection and possible re-infection of humans and as
a means to sustain a parasite when it does not infect humans.
Zoonosis:
− an infection or disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans under
natural conditions.
Class Animal Tick species
Amphibians Frogs (Leptodactylus Amplyomma species.
pentadactylus)
Toads (Rana guttatus)
Birds Chickens, pigeons, ducks, and Argas persicus
geese
Mammals Livestock and wildlife Rhipicephalus sp.;
Amblyomma sp.; Hyalomma
sp.
Reptiles Snakes, lizards, turtles. - Amblyomma marmoreum,
Ornithodoros compactus
1
, DRKS 321
Ixodidae (hard ticks):
Features Ixodidae (hard ticks)
Integument Hard dorsal shield (scutum)
Capitulum (mouthparts) Anterior (visible from above)
Nymph stages 1 stage
Mature feeding period Several days
Female feeding 1 blood meal
Egg-laying events One time
Total eggs 3000-8000
Lifespan 2 months to 3 years
Life cycle of hard ticks:
Basic Life Cycle:
− Adult (female) seeks out a host, enlarged with blood and mates before it falls off.
− Enlarged female tick lays eggs and then dies.
− Larva hatching from the egg and looking for hosts (small animals)
2
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through EFT, credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller henrocato. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R120,00. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
