Page 21 - parasitology for medical and clinical laboratoryprofessionals

CHAPTER

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Background of Parasitology

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this chapter, the learner will be expected to:

■ Relate the meaning of the term parasite
■ Define an organism that qualifies as a parasite
■ Describe the importance of hosts in the life cycles of parasites
■ Discuss the probable evolution of parasites that infect humans
■ List major vectors of parasites and the role they play in causing epidemics
■ Define the steps leading to the recovery and identification of most parasites

KEY TERMS

Accidental host Fleas Mites
Acquired Immunodeficiency Guinea worm Mutualism
Syndrome (AIDS) Helminthes Nematode
Arthropods Host Opportunistic
Clade Human Immunodeficiency Parasitism
Commensalism Virus (HIV) Pathogenic
Congenital Infective stage Phylogenetically
Coproliths Infestation Prions
Definitive host Intermediate host Protozoa
Diagnostic stages Kleptoparasitism Reservoir host
Ectoparasites Lice Symbiosis
Endemic Malaria Syndrome
Eukaryotic Metazoan Zoonoses

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