Description of the Pathogen Giardia was probably described in the late 1600s, when van Leeuwenhoek likely discovered it in his own stool. It was in the early 1900s that the parasite received the genus name Giardia. The designated species name…
Although Toxoplasma gondii infects a large proportion of the world's human population, it is an uncommon cause of disease. Certain individuals, however, are at high risk for severe or life-threatening disease because of this parasite. These include congenitally infected fetuses…
Parasites and Their Transmission The agents of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT, sleeping sickness) are flagellated protozoan parasites that belong to the genus Trypanosoma, subgenus Trypanozoon . A general description of the members of this genus and specific characteristics of the…
The protozoan genus Trypanosoma consists of several dozen species. Two of the three species that infect humans are pathogenic, and several other species cause severe and economically important diseases in domestic mammals. Broadly defined, the organisms belonging to this genus…
Overview and General Principles Leishmaniasis refers to a diverse spectrum of clinical syndromes caused by infection with protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania transmitted by the bite of a phlebotomine sand fly. Leishmaniasis can be separated geographically into Old World…
Revised June 24, 2020 The Malaria Problem Malaria remains an overwhelming problem in tropical developing countries, accounting for an estimated 216 million cases and 445,000 deaths in 2016. Nearly 40% of the world's population is at risk for acquiring malaria.…
Free-living amebae (FLAs) are aerobic, eukaryotic protists that comprise several genera. Clinically apparent infection of humans with FLAs is an infrequent but often fatal occurrence in both normal and immunocompromised individuals. Central nervous system (CNS) invasion by Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba…
Entamoeba histolytica is an invasive enteric protozoan parasite that is the cause of amebiasis. Entamoeba histolytica is morphologically indistinguishable from three other species of human intestinal amebae, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii, and the more recently described Entamoeba bangladeshi. E. dispar…
You’re Reading a Preview Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full access and enjoy Unlimited articles Become membership If you are a member. Log in here
You’re Reading a Preview Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full access and enjoy Unlimited articles Become membership If you are a member. Log in here