Caused by parasitic organisms, including malaria, Giardia, and tapeworms.
Parasitic pathogenesis: This refers to the mechanisms by which parasites cause disease in humans or animals. It includes invasion, migration, replication, and manipulation of host cells.
Human-parasite relationships: Understanding the interaction between humans and parasites is crucial in developing effective prevention and management strategies.
Diagnosis and identification: The accurate identification of a parasite is important for effective treatment, and diagnosis is based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and imaging.
Epidemiology: Understanding the distribution and prevalence of parasitic infections is critical in developing public health interventions to prevent and control their spread.
Parasite life cycles: Knowing the life cycle of a parasite is important in understanding its transmission and identifying potential targets for intervention.
Drug development: Developing new drugs to combat parasitic infections is an ongoing process that requires a deep understanding of the mechanisms of action of existing treatments and the development of new ones.
Host immunity and resistance: Understanding how the host immune system responds to parasitic infections and how resistance is developed can inform treatment and prevention strategies.
Vector control: Many parasitic infections are spread by arthropods, and controlling the vectors that transmit these diseases is an essential part of managing their spread.
Travel medicine: Parasitic infections are often associated with travel in tropical and subtropical regions, and knowledge of their transmission and prevention is essential for travelers.
One Health: This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and the role of parasitic infections in this ecosystem.
Malaria: A life-threatening disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium transmitted through mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, chills, and flu-like illness.
Giardiasis: An infection caused by a parasite called Giardia, typically spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and bloating.
Toxoplasmosis: A common parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii transmitted through contaminated meat, soil or through contact with infected feces from cats. Symptoms include flu-like illness, fever, and body aches.
Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, which can lead to inflammation, vaginal discharge, and painful urination.
Cryptosporidiosis: An infection caused by Cryptosporidium, typically spread through contaminated water. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydration.
leishmaniasis: A parasitic disease transmitted through the bites of sandflies, and symptoms vary from skin lesions to life-threatening visceral infections.
Ascariasis: An infection caused by roundworms, which can lead to malnutrition, respiratory issues, and obstructive symptoms.
Schistosomiasis: An infection caused by a parasite called Schistosoma, transmitted through contaminated freshwater. Symptoms include skin inflammation, abdominal pain, and blood in urine.
Trypanosomiasis: Also known as African Sleeping Sickness, is caused by Trypanosoma parasite transmitted through the bites of tsetse flies. Symptoms include fever, headaches, and changes in behavior and personality.
Pediculosis: An infestation of lice in the scalp, pubic region or other areas of the body that can cause itching, irritation and live transmission of the parasites.