endoparasite Flashcards
study for exam (23 cards)
What is the definitive host?
The host where the adult or sexual stage of the parasite develops.
What is a pseudoparasite?
A false parasite; often debris like pollen mistaken for a parasite.
How is heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) diagnosed?
ELISA test for adults, blood smear or Modified Knott’s test for microfilariae.
What is the Baermann technique used for?
To retrieve nematode larvae from feces.
What parasite causes cutaneous larval migrans and anemia in dogs?
Ancylostoma caninum (hookworm)
What is the common tapeworm found in dogs and cats?
Dipylidium caninum
What zoonotic parasite can cause visceral larval migrans?
Toxocara spp.
What is the life cycle route for heartworm larvae?
Mosquito → dog bloodstream → heart → adulthood in pulmonary arteries
What form of Giardia is infectious?
The cyst form
What protozoa is especially dangerous for pregnant women?
Toxoplasma gondii
What drug is used to treat Giardia?
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
How is Coccidia diagnosed?
Fecal smear or flotation; sporulated oocysts seen in stool
Which parasite is transmitted via fleas and appears as “rice-like” segments?
Dipylidium caninum
Which method is best for diagnosing whipworms (Trichuris vulpis)?
Fecal flotation
What is the pre-patent period for heartworm infection?
6 months
Which parasite causes neurologic disease in cats and humans?
Toxoplasma gondii
Which of the following is not a nematode?
Dipylidium
Hookworms infect their host through which two main routes?
Ingestion and skin penetration
What parasite lives in the conjunctival sac and is spread by face flies?
Thelazia californiensis
What anthelmintic is effective against both flukes and nematodes?
Albendazole
Which protozoan parasite has both trophozoite and cyst forms?
Giardia
What is the treatment for Coccidia?
Sulfadimethoxine (Albon)
what is the difference between an intermediate host and a definitive host
definitive host: where the parasite reaches sexual maturity and reproduces
Intermediate host: where the parasite undergoes development but doesn’t reach sexual maturity
