BSci.

106A (Microbiology and Parasitology)

Worksheet 9: Protozoans

Protozoans

Elicit

What protozoans do you know that can causes diseases to human?

Malaria, giardia, and toxoplasmosis are a few common infec ous diseases brought on by protozoans.
These infec ons manifest in very di erent regions of the body. For instance, giardia infec ons begin in
the gut; toxoplasmosis can infect the lymph nodes, the eye, and the brain; and malaria infec ons begin
in the blood. Unicellular organisms that can live in various environments and infect people through a
variety of routes are the source of protozoan diseases. Depending on the type of protozoan causing the
infec on, medica ons tailored to that type can be used to treat these infec ons, which can range from
mild to severe. .

Engage

Do you know that many protozoan infec ons can lead to death when proper treatment could not be
given?
Protozoan infec ons can lead to death when proper treatment could not be given
- protozoan infec on can be prevented, but without proper treatment the infec on caused by protozoan
parasites can range in severity from acutely fatal to chronically fatal to acutely debilita ng to nearly
asymptoma c, with certain excep ons.

Explore

1.Describe the dis nct characteris cs of di erent parasi c protozoans a ec ng human.

Protozoan parasites are unicellular organisms that can cause a variety of diseases in humans. Here are
some of the dis nct characteris cs of di erent parasi c protozoans that can a ect humans:

Plasmodium: Plasmodium is the protozoan parasite that causes malaria. It is transmi ed through the
bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Plasmodium has a complex life cycle that involves both
asexual and sexual reproduc on. Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, and u-like
symptoms.

Trypanosoma: Trypanosoma is the protozoan parasite that causes African trypanosomiasis, also known
as sleeping sickness. It is transmi ed through the bite of an infected tsetse y. Trypanosoma has a
unique ability to evade the immune system by changing the surface proteins on its cell membrane.
Symptoms of sleeping sickness include fever, headaches, and sleep disturbances.

Leishmania: Leishmania is the protozoan parasite that causes leishmaniasis. It is transmi ed through the
bite of infected sand ies. Leishmania has two forms: the promas gote form, which lives in the gut of the
sand y, and the amas gote form, which lives inside human cells. Symptoms of leishmaniasis include skin
sores, fever, and weight loss.
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 Entamoeba histoly ca: Entamoeba histoly ca is the protozoan parasite that causes amoebiasis, a disease
that a ects the intes nes. It is transmi ed through the inges on of contaminated food or water.
Entamoeba histoly ca has the ability to invade the intes nal wall and cause severe damage. Symptoms
of amoebiasis include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool.

Cryptosporidium: Cryptosporidium is the protozoan parasite that causes cryptosporidiosis, a disease that
a ects the intes nes. It is transmi ed through the inges on of contaminated food or water.
Cryptosporidium has a thick outer layer that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of
me. Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydra on.

Overall, the dis nct characteris cs of parasi c protozoans that a ect humans vary depending on the
type of parasite and the disease it causes.

2. Diagram the life cycle of the di erent parasi c protozoans a ec ng human.

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 Elaborate

One common protozoan that can cause diarrhea is Entamoeba histoly ca. What could have contributed
to its pathogenicity?

Entamoeba histolytica is a parasitic protozoan that causes diarrhea,

dysentery, and other intestinal disorders in humans. Several factors
contribute to its pathogenicity:

a. Entamoeba histolytica has the ability to modify its surface antigens

in order to elude the host immune system, allowing it to establish a
foothold in the host's gut.

b. Entamoeba histolytica secretes enzymes that aid in its penetration

of the intestinal wall and destruction of host tissues, causing
in ammation and injury.

c. Toxin production: Entamoeba histolytica can produce toxins that

cause damage to host tissues and contribute to illness symptoms.

d. Entamoeba histolytica strains exhibit tremendous genetic variety,

and some strains may be more virulent than others.

e. Environmental factors: Entamoeba histolytica is more likely to

cause sickness in regions with inadequate sanitation and hygiene, as
fecal-oral transmission is more frequent.

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 Extend

How can we avoid infec ons of parasi c protozoans?

To avoid infections of parasitic protozoans, it is important to

practice good personal hygiene, drink safe water, avoid eating
contaminated food, use insect repellent, avoid swimming in
contaminated water, and seek medical treatment if necessary.

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