Hemoflagellates Flashcards
(26 cards)
What are the general characteristics of hemoflagellates?
Unicellular, clinically significant parasites found in blood and tissues, flagellated, habitat in reticuloendothelial cells
Reticuloendothelial cells are involved in phagocytosis.
What is the primary mode of transmission for hemoflagellates?
Vector-borne, vertical transmission (mother-child), blood transfusion, accidental needle prick, organ transplant
Hemoflagellates reside in lymph nodes, spleen, and liver.
What are the four morphologic forms of hemoflagellates?
- Amastigote
- Promastigote
- Epimastigote
- Trypomastigote
Each form has distinct characteristics and functions in the lifecycle of hemoflagellates.
True or False: Hemoflagellates are multicellular organisms.
False
Hemoflagellates are unicellular parasites.
Fill in the blank: Hemoflagellates primarily inhabit _______.
reticuloendothelial cells
This habitat is crucial for their lifecycle and pathogenicity.
What type of cells do hemoflagellates utilize for phagocytosis?
Reticuloendothelial cells
These cells play a role in the immune response and are targeted by hemoflagellates.
List three ways hemoflagellates can be transmitted.
- Vector-borne
- Blood transfusion
- Accidental needle prick
Understanding transmission pathways is essential for prevention and control.
What is vertical transmission in the context of hemoflagellates?
Transmission from mother to child
This can occur during pregnancy or childbirth.
What is the primary diagnostic form for Leishmania?
Amastigote
Amastigote is the primary form used for diagnosing Leishmania infections.
What is the primary diagnostic form for Trypanosoma?
Trypomastigote
Except in Trypanosoma cruzi, where amastigotes can also be found.
What are the specimens of choice for diagnosing Leishmania and Trypanosoma?
- Blood
- Lymph node aspirations
- Ulcer aspirations
- Tissue biopsies
- Bone marrow
- Cerebrospinal fluid
These specimens are commonly used for laboratory diagnosis.
What types of tests are available to confirm the presence of Leishmania and Trypanosoma?
Serologic and molecular tests
These tests help in confirming the diagnosis of infections caused by these organisms.
List some symptoms associated with infections caused by Leishmania and Trypanosoma.
- Small red papules at the infection site
- Intense itching
- Secondary bacterial infections
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Kidney involvement
- Mental retardation
- Comatose state
- Death
Symptoms can vary in severity and may lead to serious health complications.
What are the characteristics of an Amastigote?
- Large single nucleus (off-center)
- Kinetoplast: Basal bodies or blepharoplast
- Small parabasal body
- Axoneme
- No flagella
Amastigotes are typically intracellular forms found in the host.
Describe the structure of a Promastigote.
- Large single nucleus (in or near center)
- Kinetoplast located in the anterior end
- Single free flagellum extending anteriorly into axoneme
Promastigotes are often found in the external environment or in the insect vector.
What defines the structure of an Epimastigote?
- Large nucleus located at the posterior end
- Kinetoplast located in the anterior portion of the nucleus
- Undulating membrane (half of the body)
- Free flagellum at the anterior end
Epimastigotes are typically found in the insect vector and play a role in the life cycle of the parasite.
What are the key features of a Trypomastigote?
- Long slender body with posterior located kinetoplast
- Large nucleus at the anterior end of the kinetoplast
- Undulating membrane from posterior to anterior end
- Extension of flagellum at the anterior end
Trypomastigotes are found in the bloodstream of the host and are the form associated with transmission.
What are the two forms routinely found in human specimens?
Amastigote and Trypomastigote
Where are Amastigotes primarily found?
In tissue and muscle, and CNS within macrophages
What is the reproductive behavior of Amastigotes?
They multiply within macrophages
Where are Trypomastigotes visible?
In the peripheral blood
When may the Promastigote stage be seen?
If the blood sample is collected immediately after transmission or when appropriately cultured
Fill in the blank: Amastigotes are primarily found in _______.
tissue and muscle, and CNS within macrophages
