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Parasit - Tezes 2 (Studentams)
Parasit - Tezes 2 (Studentams)
Parasit - Tezes 2 (Studentams)
Toxic effects. The products of the parasites' metabolism poison the host. causing fever, nausea,
migraines, muscle spasms, vomiting, loss of appetite, anemia, sleeplessness etc.
Allergic reactions. The poisonous substances (antigens) may cause allergic reactions, such as
migraines, skin rashes, swelling of hands and feet, strong itching, increase of leucocytes in blood
and even anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction due to repeated exposure to an allergen) which
often results in death.
Feeding off the host. This involves eating the host's tissues, tissue fluids, blood, host-digested
food and other biologically active materials necessary to the host.
Side effects. The parasites may disturb the host's digestion, food absorption, metabolism and
blood production, reduce vitamin reserves, push up the number of leucocytes (especially
eozynophiles), interfere with the nervous system and aggravate infectious diseases.
Environmental effects on humans include biological and social factors. Geographical and
climatic conditions influence the prevalende of parasites and their vectors, which in turn
influences the likelihood of contracting infectious or invasional diseases.
3.2 Effects of Hosts on Parasites
The hosts respond to the negative effects of the parasites. The relationship between them is
antagonistic (hostile). The host response aims to subdue or destroy the parasite. The host
response may be divided into local and general response.
Local response at the cellural level involves changes in cell size, increased speed of cell
production, or increase in the activity of certain organs.
Local response at the tissue level may involve the formation of an capsule (envelope) of
connective tissue around inactive parasites, and creation of cysts, granulomas, sacs, etc.
General response (also humoral or immune response) involves the formation of specific
antibodies in response to the antigens emitted by the parasites, as well as the increase in
macrophage activity.
Host response may consist of both reflexive and conscious activity.
Reflexive responses are the host's defense controlled at the subconscious level.
Conscious responses to parasites for humans may involve following a healty way of life to
reduce the chance of parasites entering the body, reduce toxic and allergic damage, speed up the
formation and recovery of the immune system, and strengthens the immune response.