PathologyLesson 1 of 1 in the course Circulatory and Lymphatic System Infections

Transmission and Tissue Effects of Major Parasitic Infections

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Malaria is a major parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium protozoa that infect red blood cells. Understanding its transmission and life cycle helps explain its characteristic fever cycles, severe complications, and prevention strategies.

Malaria is caused by five Plasmodium species: P. falciparum, P. knowlesi, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. vivax. The parasites are transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes and primarily infect red blood cells. Malaria is uncommon in the United States but remains widespread in many parts of the world. P. falciparum is the most common and most lethal species and is responsible for severe falciparum malaria.

All flashcards

How can humans acquire *Toxoplasma gondii*?
By exposure to infective oocysts from contaminated environments or tissue cysts in undercooked meat.
Which people are at greater risk of severe babesiosis?
People without a spleen, older adults, and people with AIDS.
What are the three phases of Chagas disease?
Acute, intermediate, and chronic phases.
What are the three major clinical forms of leishmaniasis?
Cutaneous, mucosal, and visceral leishmaniasis.
How do schistosome eggs contribute to chronic disease?
Eggs lodged in tissues trigger inflammation and scarring that can damage organs.

Quiz questions

  1. Which *Plasmodium* species is described as the most common and most lethal cause of malaria?Answer: *Plasmodium falciparum*
  2. Which form of *Toxoplasma gondii* can cross the placenta during pregnancy?Answer: Tachyzoites
  3. How is *Trypanosoma cruzi* most often transmitted by triatomine bugs?Answer: Infected bug feces enter a bite wound, eye, mouth, or skin break.
  4. How does *Leishmania* persist inside macrophages?Answer: It interferes with phagolysosomal enzymes that would otherwise destroy it.
  5. What drives much of the chronic tissue damage in schistosomiasis?Answer: Eggs lodged in tissues trigger inflammation and scarring.

Based on Microbiology by Nina Parker, Mark Schneegurt, Anh-Hue Thi Tu, Philip Lister, Brian M. Forster (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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