What are Internal Parasites?

Question 1

How do parasites differ?

3

Answer 1

1. size
2. location in the body
3. species of animal they affect

Question 2

Where are internal parasites found?

Answer 2

live inside the body of an animal

Question 3

What is a definitive host?

2

Answer 3

1. animals harboring sexually mature parasites

2. enters the host as a mature adult

Question 4

What is an intermediate host?

Answer 4

Animal used by the immature stages of the parasite to continue

Question 5

What is a paratenic host?

2

Answer 5

1. Animal serving as a transport host for immature stages of the parasite
2. No development occurs

Question 6

What is a prepatent period?

Answer 6

time elapsed between infection with parasite and when it reaches reproductive maturity

Question 7

What are the ways internal parasites cause damage to the host animal? (3)

Answer 7

1. malnutrition
2. mechanical
3. blood loss

Question 8

How can an internal parasite cause malnutrition?

Answer 8

compete with host for ingested food

Question 9

How does an internal parasite cause mechanical damage to the host’s body? (3)

Answer 9

1. Destroy tissue
2. Cause obstructions
3. Can cause organ failure

Question 10

What are the mild appearances of a parasitized animal?

2

Answer 10

1. inapparent

2. no clinical signs or symptoms

Question 11

What are the severe appearances of a parasitized animal?

3

Answer 11

1. underweight
2. dull hair coat
3. lethargy (anemia?)

Question 12

What are the other clinical signs of parasitized animals?

3

Answer 12

1. diarrhea
2. vomiting
3. blood in stool

Question 13

How are parasites diagnosed?

2

Answer 13

1. Detection of immature parasites (larva) or parasite eggs in animal’s feces, blood, or urine
2. Presence of adult parasites in feces or vomit

Question 14

How are parasitic infections treated?

Answer 14

Administration of anthelmintics

Question 15

How do anthelmintics work against parasites?

2

Answer 15

1. Affect the parasites CNS leading to death or paralysis

2. Some cause digestion of the parasite

Question 16

What are the effects of the host and environment on parasitism?
(2)

Answer 16

1. Older animals more resistant to parasitic infection

2. Parasites reproduce better in warm, moist conditions

Question 17

How are parasites controlled and prevented? (3)

Answer 17

1. Daily removal of feces from housing areas
2. Prevent ingestion of intermediate or paratenic hosts
3. Perform routine laboratory tests to screen for parasite infections

Question 18

What does an accurate diagnosis of parasites dependent on? (3)

Answer 18

1. performing the right test
2. performing test at the right time
3. performing the test correctly