Disease Transmitted Through Parasites

DISEASE TRANSMITTED THROUGH PARASITES

Parasites are organisms that live of another organism, they host to survive. They grow, reproduce, or invade organ system, so that the host becomes sick, due to parasitic infection.

Causative organism

Parasitic infection caused by three types of organism:

1. Protozoa infection

Malaria

Malaria is a life - threatening disease it is transmitted through the bite of an infected anopheles mosquito. The mosquitoes carry the plasmodium parasite that parasite is released into bloodstream.

Causative organism of Malaria

·            Plasmodium vivax

·            plasmodium Ovale

·            plasmodium malariae

·            plasmodium falciparum

Incubation period

·            9 to 14days

Mode of transmission

·            Organ transplant

·            Blood transfusion

Symptoms

·            Fever with chills

·            Headache

·            Vomiting

·            Tiredness

·            Sweats

Mosquito transmission cycle

Complications

·             Cerebral Malaria

·             Organ failure

·             Anemia

·             Low blood Sugar

Preventive measures

Mosquito control methods

Management

2. Filariasis

Filariasis is a tropical disease is caused by mosquitoes, and it infect the body through tiny filarial worms.

Causative organism

·             Wuchereria bancrofti       

·             Brugia malayi

·             Brugia Himori

Incubation period

·             10-14 days

Symptoms

·            Swelling of the genitals and extremities

·            Severe inflammation of the skin

·            Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels

·            Elephantiasis / Lymphatic Filariasis

Diagnosis

·            Quantitative blood count (QBC)

·            Immuno chromatographic test ( ICI)

·            Serological test

·            IgG₄

·            IgG₂

Management

·            Ivermection

·            Antihistamines or corticosteroids can reduce allergic reactions

·            DEC (Diethylczartamazine)

Preventive Measure

·            Control of mosquito

·            Refrain from going outdoors

·            Sleep inside the insecticide – treated mosquitoes net

·            Cover yourself with full sleeves

·            Avoid using strong perfume or cologne which draw the Mosquitoes.