Introduction

Definitions: Parasitism ) :(a relationship in which one organism (parasite) lives at the expense of another (host). Endoparasite ) :( a parasite which lives within the body of the host, e.g. protozoa and helminthes Ectoparasite ) :( lives on the body surface of the host e.g. insects. Habitat ) :( the organ in which the parasite exists in the body of the host. Final host ) :( harbors the adult or sexually mature parasite. Intermediate host ) :( harbors the immature stages or asexual stages of a parasite that show significant development. Reservoir host ) :( the animal that holds the same stage of the same species of a parasite that man holds and contributes to the perpetuation of the parasite life cycle in nature. Transport host (Paratenic): the intermediate host that carries the larva of the parasite without significant development (with arrested development). Vector ) :( an arthropod or a snail IH that directs a parasite to a certain host within certain conditions. Exit stage ( :) The stage that gets out of the host and aids in diagnosis (diagnostic stage). Inlet stage or infective stage ( :) The stage that enters the host and causes the infection. Auto-infection ( :) when a host infects himself; this occurs when the infective stage is the exit stage. Routes of infection or entry of the infective stages: 1. By ingestion of: larva, egg, cyst or oocyst in contaminated foods and drinks. 2. Entry of larva, trophozoites, sporozoites or cysts through contact of skin ulcer, abrasion, by active penetration, or via inoculation by an insect. 3. Through epithelia of mucosal surfaces, of the eye, olfactory epithelium or respiratory tracts. 4. Congenital transmission. 5. Blood transfusion. Host- parasite relationship: A. Infection: means establishment of a parasite existence within the host accompanied or not with its development and reproduction. This means host parasite interaction passes through 4 stages: initial contact (contamination), establishment within suitable habitat, development and lastly reproduction.

When a parasite antigen comes into contact with the host immune system (cells), the host response may be expressed to contribute to immune- pathogenesis, parasite immune-evasion, immune-protection (immunity or resistance) or aid in immune-diagnosis, B.Disease (Pathogenesis): The occurrence of infection does not necessarily imply the occurrence of disease. Disease only occurs if the anatomical and/or the physiological integrity of the host were broken down. If infection leads to this breakdown it induces disease. Disease is usually presented by signs and symptoms. Opportunistic infection: infection that does not cause disease in immune competent host, but if the host immunity is impaired it does. How do Parasites damage their hosts? Competing for nutrients (e.g. Hookworms and D. latum). Disrupting tissues (e.g. Hydatid disease, myiasis and Tungiasis). Destroying cells (e.g. malaria, hookworm, and schistosomiasis). Mechanical blockage (e.g. Ascaris). Severe disease often is induced by immune / inflammatory response. Patent infection: infection with an exit stage out of the host and that contributes to perpetuation of the life cycle. Non patent infection: infection without exit stage.