Parasites are Cool!

A parasite is an organism that gains energy from a host.

What is a Host A host is an organism that a parasite lives in or on. Ticks on Dog

 Endoparasites are the parasites that live inside the host for example Hookworms. From contaminated soil Hookworms live in small intestines – take in 1ml blood/day Necator americanus Necator americanus.

Scolex with hooks and suckers Proglotids (segments) filled with reproduction organs and eggs Tapeworm lives in intestines Feeds on digested food

Wuchereria bancrofti Mosquito is the carrier Causes lymphedema, swelling, which is prevalent in the legs, but sometimes also in the arms. This filaria worm results in Elephantiasis. Found in Africa

Ascaris lumbricoides – live in the intestines sometimes causes intestinal blockage Most infections begin with contaminated soil. Eggs can live in soil for years. Rare occurences in United States

Pinworm is an intestinal infection caused by tiny parasitic worms. One of the most common roundworm infections, pinworm infections affect millions of people each year, particularly school kids. Itching

 Ectoparasites are parasite that live on the outside body For example some mites are ectoparasites. Ectoparasites feed or grows from the energy of the host.

Bites Fleas are the insects from the order Siphonaptera. They are wingless, with mouthparts adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. Fleas are external parasites, living the blood of mammals and birds.insectsorderbloodparasitesbloodmammalsbirds Ouch!

Several types of mites are associated with cases of skin dermatitis in humans. The tropical rat mite, Ornithonyssus bacoti, is one of the most common house invading species.

Ticks are ectoparasites (external parasites), living on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. Ticks are carriers of a number of diseases, including Lyme disease, Colorado tick fever, Rocky Mountain spotted feverectoparasitesparasitesLyme diseaseColorado tick feverRocky Mountain spotted fever Tick

An adult crab louse is about 1.3–2 mm long and can be distinguished from those other species by its almost round body. Another distinguishing feature is that the back two pairs of legs of a crab louse are much thicker than the front legs and are equipped with large claws.