Parasites
Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Living beings that live completely (obligatory parasites) or partially (optional parasites), permanently (stationary parasites) or temporarily (temporary parasites) at the expense of other species.
Parasites can:
- on the surface as ectoparasites (arachnids, insects)
- or perhaps
- within the host as endoparasites
live. Endoparasites are further divided into unicellular prtozoa and multicellular worms (helminths).
Parasites living on the skin are also called dermatozoa.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
End host: In this host, sexual reproduction of protozoa takes place. In helminths, the parasite reaches sexual maturity, adult worms appear which produce sexual reproduction stages (unice, microfilariae).
Intermediate host: Here the parasite reproduces asexually or only matures. In helminths, intermediate or larval stages may occur.
Primary host: Preferred host of the parasite. In this host an optimal reproduction takes place.
Secondary host: Possible host of the parasite, but which does not provide optimal living conditions (e.g. human for trichinae)
Loss of host: The parasite does not develop completely (dead end)
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Before parasites can be successfully introduced after an infection, the parasite must be sexually (e.g. worm eggs) or asexually (e.g. malaria trophozoites) infected in the host.