PROTOZOAN Flashcards
(101 cards)
1
Q
What are the characteristics of protozoa?
A
Microscopic, single-celled, motile, heterotrophic eukaryotes
Protozoa can reproduce sexually or asexually and typically live in moist environments.
2
Q
How do protozoa reproduce?
A
Sexually or asexually
3
Q
Where do protozoa typically live?
A
Moist environments
4
Q
What types of relationships do many protozoa have?
A
Symbiotic or parasitic
5
Q
What causes protozoan diseases?
A
Protists
6
Q
What is the global health impact of protozoan diseases?
A
Significant global health threat, leading to severe morbidity and mortality
7
Q
Which regions are most affected by protozoan diseases?
A
Developing countries
8
Q
How do protozoan diseases impact societies?
A
Impact human health, social structures, and economies
9
Q
How many diarrheal cases are detected each year due to protozoan infections?
A
More than 58 million
10
Q
What is a challenge in estimating the burden of protozoan infections?
A
Underreporting
11
Q
What is the estimated annual burden of waterborne parasitic protozoan diseases in terms of cases and deaths?
A
4 billion cases of diarrhoea and 1.6 million deaths per year
These figures highlight the significant impact of protozoan infections globally.
12
Q
What are the three main protozoan diseases contracted from water?
A
- Cryptosporidium
- Giardia
- Entamoeba
13
Q
What is the size range of protozoan species visible under a microscope?
A
10-100 um
14
Q
What are the main virulence factors of protozoan pathogens?
A
- Adhesins
- Toxin production / secretion
- Intracellular survival
15
Q
What is a key characteristic of the taxonomy of protozoan diseases?
A
Complex and rapidly evolving
16
Q
How are disease-causing protozoa in humans classified?
A
Based on movement methods (e.g. cilia, flagella)
17
Q
What group includes amoebae?
A
The Sarcodina
18
Q
What disease is caused by Balantidium coli?
A
Balantidiasis
19
Q
What disease does Cryptosporidium parvum cause?
A
Cruptosporidiosis
20
Q
What disease is caused by Entamoeba histolytica?
A
Amoebiasis (Amoebic dysentery)
21
Q
What is the transmission route for Giardia lamblia?
A
Contaminated water or food
22
Q
What disease does Leishmania spp. cause?
A
Leishmaniasis
23
Q
What disease is caused by Plasmodium spp.?
A
Malaria
24
Q
What disease does Toxoplasma gondii cause?
A
Toxoplasmosis
25
What is the transmission route for Trichomonas vaginalis?
Sexually transmitted disease
26
What is the vector for African Sleeping Sickness?
Tsetse fly (V)
27
What type of disease is indicated by an asterisk (*) in the list?
Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD)
28
What disease is caused by Entamoeba histolytica?
Amoebiasis
## Footnote
Amoebiasis is an infection of the intestines, primarily affecting the colon.
29
How is Entamoeba histolytica transmitted?
Drinking contaminated water or eating food washed with it
## Footnote
Contaminated water or food is a common source of transmission in areas with poor sanitation.
30
What is the incubation period for Entamoeba histolytica infection?
2 - 4 weeks (can be longer)
## Footnote
The length of the incubation period can vary based on individual health and exposure.
31
Which species of Entamoeba causes disease?
Only E histolytica
## Footnote
There are six species of Entamoeba, but only E histolytica is pathogenic.
32
What percentage of infected individuals are asymptomatic?
90%
## Footnote
Most people infected do not show symptoms, which can lead to undetected cases.
33
What are common mild symptoms of Entamoeba histolytica infection?
Loose stools, stomach pain, cramping
## Footnote
Symptoms can vary in severity and duration.
34
What are severe symptoms associated with Entamoeba histolytica infection?
Stomach pain, bloody stools, fever
## Footnote
Severe symptoms may indicate a more serious infection requiring medical attention.
35
What are rare complications of Entamoeba histolytica infection?
Liver abscess, spread to lungs or brain
## Footnote
These complications can be life-threatening and require immediate intervention.
36
What are cysts in the context of Entamoeba histolytica?
Forms that can endure hostile conditions for long periods of time
## Footnote
Cysts are the dormant stage of the parasite that can survive outside the host.
37
What is the active stage of Entamoeba histolytica called?
Trophozoite
## Footnote
Trophozoites are the active, motile form of the parasite that colonizes the intestines.
38
What process occurs when cysts turn back into trophozoites in the intestine?
Excystation
## Footnote
This process allows the parasite to become active again after being excreted.
39
What is encystation?
Active trophozoite turning back into a cyst
## Footnote
Encystation is essential for the survival of the parasite outside the host.
40
What is Leishmaniasis?
Infection with Leishmania parasites that causes symptoms
## Footnote
Leishmaniasis can present in different forms depending on the species involved.
41
How many species of Leishmania are there?
>20 species
## Footnote
These species vary in their pathogenicity and the diseases they cause.
42
What type of parasites are Leishmania?
Obligate intracellular parasites
## Footnote
They must live inside the cells of another organism to survive.
43
What is the vector for Leishmaniasis?
Sandfly
## Footnote
Female sandflies are responsible for transmitting the parasites to humans.
44
What are the three forms of Leishmaniasis?
Cutaneous, visceral, and mucocutaneous
## Footnote
Each form affects different parts of the body and has different symptoms.
45
What is the most common form of Leishmaniasis?
Cutaneous
## Footnote
Cutaneous leishmaniasis primarily involves skin infections and lesions.
46
Which organs can be affected by visceral Leishmaniasis?
Internal organs such as the liver and spleen
## Footnote
Visceral leishmaniasis is more severe and can be life-threatening.
47
What is the first stage of the Leishmania life cycle?
Amastigotes transform into promastigote stage in the gut
## Footnote
This transformation occurs after ingestion of the parasite by the sandfly.
48
What are the main forms of Leishmaniasis?
Mucocutaneous, cutaneous, and visceral
## Footnote
Each form can lead to serious health issues and complications.
49
What are some life-altering consequences of Leishmaniasis?
* Destruction of the mucous membranes of the nasal passage
* Long-term skin lesions and ulcers
* Death
## Footnote
The severity of symptoms varies based on the form of the disease.
50
How do the symptoms of Leishmaniasis manifest?
Due to the parasites' relationship with the human host cells they infect
## Footnote
The parasites primarily infect white blood cells, especially macrophages.
51
What happens after a sandfly takes a blood meal?
Promastigotes are injected into the skin
## Footnote
This is the beginning of the infection process in the vertebrate host.
52
What cells do promastigotes infect after being phagocytized?
Macrophages or other types of mononuclear phagocytic cells
## Footnote
This is crucial for the survival and reproduction of the parasites.
53
What do amastigotes do in the host's cells?
Multiply in cells of various tissues and infect
## Footnote
This rapid multiplication contributes to the severity of the disease.
54
What role do sandflies play in the life cycle of Leishmania?
Parasites live outside of the cells of the vector within the alimentary canal
## Footnote
Sandflies are essential for the transmission of the disease.
55
How does the cycle of infection continue?
Another sandfly feeds on the infected host and ingests macrophages containing parasites
## Footnote
This ingestion allows the cycle to repeat.
56
What population is most affected by Leishmaniasis?
The poor
## Footnote
Socio-economic factors like illiteracy and poor housing contribute to the spread.
57
What environmental factors contribute to the spread of Leishmaniasis?
* Deforestation
* Urbanization
## Footnote
These factors facilitate the habitat of sandflies and increase human exposure.
58
How many people are estimated to be at risk for Leishmaniasis?
Over 1 billion
## Footnote
This highlights the global impact of the disease.
59
What is the estimated number of new Leishmaniasis cases annually?
Over 200,000
## Footnote
This indicates ongoing transmission and the need for public health intervention.
60
True or False: Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis can lead to social exclusion.
True
## Footnote
Lesions associated with this form can have significant social implications.
61
Fill in the blank: Leishmaniasis is linked to socio-economic factors such as _______, poor housing, social inequality, and malnutrition.
illiteracy
## Footnote
These factors exacerbate the risk and impact of the disease.
62
What are cutaneous lesions associated with?
Disfigurement, impaired mobility, and inability to care for oneself
## Footnote
Cutaneous lesions can have significant physical and psychological impacts on individuals.
63
What are the economic and social impacts of cutaneous lesions?
Reduced productivity, loss of earnings, and stigmatisation
## Footnote
These impacts can lead to broader societal issues, including poverty.
64
What is a challenge associated with the treatment and prevention of NTDs?
Costly, often exceeding annual income per capita
## Footnote
This makes access to necessary healthcare difficult for affected populations.
65
How many people are affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)?
Over 1.5 billion people
## Footnote
Most of these individuals live in the world's poorest communities.
66
What types of pathogens cause NTDs?
Parasitic worms, protozoan parasites, bacterial pathogens (leprosy), viruses (rabies, dengue fever)
## Footnote
Each pathogen has unique transmission and treatment challenges.
67
What are some consequences of NTDs on individuals?
Social exclusion, isolation, disability, and reduced ability to work
## Footnote
These consequences can perpetuate cycles of poverty.
68
How many deaths do NTDs result in annually?
170,000 deaths
## Footnote
This statistic highlights the severe public health impact of NTDs.
69
What cycles do NTDs trap affected individuals in?
Cycles of disease and poverty
## Footnote
This cycle can hinder socioeconomic progress for entire communities.
70
What impacts do NTDs have on development?
Impair physical and cognitive development, increase maternal and child mortality, and reduce productivity
## Footnote
These impacts can affect future generations.
71
What makes the epidemiology of NTDs complex?
Often related to environmental conditions
## Footnote
This complexity can complicate public health efforts.
72
What are some challenges in controlling NTDs?
Many are vector-borne, have animal reservoirs, and possess complex life cycles
## Footnote
These factors make eradication efforts difficult.
73
What is giardiasis?
One of the leading causes of diarrhoeal disease in humans and other mammalian vertebrates
## Footnote
It is a significant public health concern in many regions.
74
How many infections of giardiasis are estimated annually across Africa, Asia, and Latin America?
200 million infections
## Footnote
This high prevalence signifies the disease's impact on global health.
75
How many deaths are attributed to giardiasis each year?
500,000 deaths
## Footnote
This highlights the severity of the disease's impact on vulnerable populations.
76
What organism causes giardiasis?
Giardia lamblia
## Footnote
Understanding the causative agent is crucial for treatment and prevention strategies.
77
What are the infection rates of giardiasis in developed nations?
2-5%
## Footnote
Comparatively lower than in developing countries.
78
What are the infection rates of giardiasis in developing countries?
20-30%
## Footnote
Higher rates are often associated with poor sanitation and hygiene.
79
How does Giardia lamblia survive in the environment?
Cysts contaminate the environment
## Footnote
Cysts are a resilient form that can persist outside the host.
80
What is the lifecycle of Giardia lamblia in the human host?
Cyst is ingested, trophozoites hatch and multiply in the small intestine, trophozoites encyst in the large intestine, cysts are expelled in feces
## Footnote
Understanding the lifecycle is essential for developing control measures.
81
Is Giardia lamblia an intracellular parasite?
False
## Footnote
It lives in the intestinal tract but does not invade cells.
82
What type of impact does giardiasis typically have?
Tends to have a short-term impact
## Footnote
However, it can still lead to significant health issues in affected individuals.
83
What is a common characteristic of many people affected by protozoan diseases?
Many people are asymptomatic
## Footnote
This indicates that individuals can carry the disease without showing symptoms.
84
In what areas are outbreaks of protozoan diseases common?
Areas with poor sanitation
## Footnote
Poor sanitation contributes to the spread of many infectious diseases.
85
Which demographic is often affected by protozoan diseases and suffers from persistent diarrhoea?
Children
## Footnote
Children are particularly vulnerable to dehydration and malnutrition from diarrhoeal diseases.
86
What are the potential consequences of untreated protozoan infections?
Dehydration, malnutrition & weight loss
## Footnote
These complications can be life-threatening if not addressed.
87
How is treatment for protozoan diseases characterized?
Relatively easy for individuals, more difficult for widespread epidemics
## Footnote
Individual treatment may be straightforward, but controlling outbreaks is complex.
88
What causes Chagas disease?
Trypanosoma cruzi
## Footnote
This protozoan parasite is primarily transmitted by the kissing bug.
89
Approximately how many people are affected by Chagas disease, and where is it mostly found?
~8 million people, mainly in Latin America
## Footnote
Chagas disease is endemic to several countries in this region.
90
What are the modes of transmission for Chagas disease?
Vector-borne, food-borne, during pregnancy/birth, or through blood/organ transplantation
## Footnote
Understanding these modes is crucial for prevention efforts.
91
When is Chagas disease curable?
If treatment is initiated early (acute phase)
## Footnote
Early intervention is key to successful treatment.
92
What is the treatment for Chagas disease in early stages?
Benznidazole & Nifurtimox
## Footnote
These medications are effective but may have side effects.
93
What happens to drug effectiveness for Chagas disease over time?
Effectiveness decreases and poses toxicity risks
## Footnote
Delayed treatment can lead to complications and more challenging management.
94
Is there a safe and effective treatment for pregnant women infected with Chagas disease?
No
## Footnote
This highlights a significant gap in treatment options for vulnerable populations.
95
What makes the treatment of protozoan diseases challenging?
Complex protozoan life cycles
## Footnote
These life cycles complicate the development of effective treatment strategies.
96
What are the primary aims of treatment approaches for protozoan diseases?
Kill the protozoan or alter the host environment to inhibit reproduction
## Footnote
Both strategies are critical for effective disease management.
97
How does vector control help in managing protozoan diseases?
Helps limit transmission and reduces the spread of other insect-borne diseases
## Footnote
Effective vector control strategies are essential for public health.
98
What are some challenges in the treatment of protozoan diseases?
Limited accessibility and availability in remote, affected communities
## Footnote
These barriers can prevent timely diagnosis and treatment.
99
Why is early diagnosis and treatment essential in protozoan diseases?
Preventing severe complications and reducing mortality
## Footnote
Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
100
What is needed for addressing protozoan diseases effectively?
Research and development for new diagnostic tools, treatments, and vaccines
## Footnote
Ongoing innovation is crucial for better management of these diseases.
101
What role does public health education play in controlling protozoan diseases?
Educating communities about risks and prevention
## Footnote
Awareness and knowledge can empower communities to take preventive measures.
