Protozoans, Parasitic Diseases Precautions, Hookworm, and 'Life Cycle' of a Parasite

Protozoa and Animal Parasites
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Protozoa and Animal Parasites
Question 1: Protozoans are tiny unicellular eukaryotes with comparatively intricate internal structures and perform complicated metabolic activities. Unlike the rest of eukaryotes, where the nucleus is covered in a membrane, the nucleus in protozoan is vesicular with a diffuse appearance due to the scattered chromatin. One category of the vesicular membrane has a body known as endosome that lacks trypanosomes DNA (Yaeger, 2013). On the other hand, phylum apicomplexa has one or more nuclei with DNA. The plasma membrane surrounding the cytoplasm protects the locomotive structure like flagella, cilia, and pseudopodia. Additionally, the outer part of protozoa is responsible for shape maintenance. Yes, protozoa can be seen under a microscope.
Question 2: Yes, parasitic diseases are communicable from person to person through the following means. First, blood-borne parasitic infections such as babesiosis, malaria, and Chagas can be spread by blood transfusion between individuals. Also, sharing sharp objects such as needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood will lead to parasitic diseases from one person to another. In addition, vectors such as triatomine bugs play a significant part in spreading vector-borne infections (CDC, 2019c). Transmission of vector-borne diseases occurs when the host contacts the insects’ saliva during a blood meal or as the parasites defecate following a blood meal.
Question 3: When caring for individuals with directly communicable parasitic diseases, one should take relevant precautions to prevent contracting the diseases. Observation of proper hygiene is the key factor. Washing hands after attending to the patient and following proper protocol in handling food to minimize the risk of transmission from contaminated food. In addition, avoid sharing sharp objects such as needles and syringes with infected folks to reduce the risk of transmission through blood. Lastly, acute infections can lead to the isolation of infected individuals to curb the spread of parasitic infections.
Question 4: The diagnosis of hookworm is made by a fecal test where the presence of hookworm eggs in the feces of a patient indicates the presence of infection. Cryptosporidiosis is found occasionally in the stool of the ...