UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

BACHELORS IN COMMUNITY BUILDING AND DESIGN

DEPARTMENT: PLANNIG AND DESIGN

COURSE TITLE: PUBLIC HEALTH SAFETY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
COURSE CODE: BCBD 3301.03 PUBLIC HEALTH AND
SAFETY
ASSIGNMENT : 2
STUDENT NAME: BUBA JALLOW
MAT#: 221110011
LECTURER: Dr Abubakar Sadiq Abdulkadir
DATE: 7/12/2023
 WHAT IS PARASITOLOGY?

Public health parasitology is the branch of science that focuses on studying the
parasites that cause diseases in populations and implementing measures to
control and prevent these diseases. It plays a crucial role in understanding and
addressing the impact of parasitic infections on vulnerable populations in endemic
areas.

It can also be defined as the scientific study of parasites, their hosts, and the
relationship between the parasite and the host.
It is a branch of science that is concerned with parasites and parasitism.
Parasitism is a form of symbiosis in which one organism (called parasite) benefits
at the expense of another organism usually of different species (called host). The
association may also lead to injury of the host. An example of parasitism is the
associations between the parasitic tapeworms and the vertebrate host.
Parasitology has different sub-disciplines caused by them:
 Veterinary parasitology: which deals with animals and parasites.
 Structural Parasitology which studies the structures of proteins from
parasites.
 Quantitative parasitology: which is the quantitative study of parasitism in a
host population.
 Parasite ecology: which studies the ecological impact of parasites.

COMMON PARASITES IN THE GAMBIA AND THE DISEASES THEY CAUSE

The Gambia, located in West Africa, is known to have a high prevalence of

parasitic diseases. Some common parasites that cause diseases in vulnerable
populations in endemic areas of the Gambia include:
1. Malaria: Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the Plasmodium
parasite. It is a major public health concern in the Gambia, especially
affecting children and pregnant women. Efforts to control malaria involve
 the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying,
and access to antimalarial drugs.

2. Guinea worm disease: Although efforts have been made to eradicate

Guinea worm disease, it remains a problem in some areas of the Gambia. It
is caused by the parasitic worm Dracunculus medinensis, which is
transmitted through contaminated drinking water. Public health
interventions focus on improving water sources, health education, and
implementing surveillance and case management strategies.

3. Schistosomiasis: Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is caused by

parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma. In the Gambia, schistosomiasis is
commonly found in rural communities with poor sanitation practices and
limited access to clean water sources. The disease can lead to chronic
complications, such as liver and kidney damage. Preventive measures
include mass drug administration and improved water and sanitation
facilities.
4. Lymphatic filariasis: Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by thread-
like worms (filariae) transmitted through mosquito bites. In the Gambia, it is
mainly endemic in coastal areas. The long-term effects of this disease include
lymphedema and elephantiasis, which can cause severe disability. Preventive
measures encompass mass drug administration and mosquito control.
5. Soil-transmitted helminths: Soil-transmitted helminths, such as roundworms,
whipworms, and hookworms, are prevalent in the Gambia due to poor sanitation,
lack of access to clean water, and limited hygiene practices. These parasites cause
a range of health issues, including anemia, malnutrition, and poor cognitive
development, primarily affecting children. Controlling these infections requires
mass deworming campaigns and sanitation improvements.
In conclusion, public health parasitology plays a crucial role in the Gambia by
focusing on the identification, prevention, and control of parasitic diseases that
affect vulnerable populations. Efforts to combat these diseases involve mass drug
administration, improving water and sanitation infrastructure, and implementing
health education programs.
Public health parasitology is a branch of science that focuses on the study of
parasites and the diseases they cause within populations, with the goal of
preventing and controlling the spread of these diseases. In the context of the
Gambia, a small West African country, public health parasitology plays a crucial
role in addressing the health challenges posed by various parasites.

IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC HEALTH PARASITOLOGY IN THE GAMBIA

Disease Burden:
Parasitic infections contribute significantly to the overall disease burden in the
Gambia. These infections can cause a range of illnesses, from mild to severe,
affecting the well-being and productivity of the population.
Economic Impact:
Parasitic diseases can have a profound economic impact on individuals and
communities. They can lead to decreased productivity, increased healthcare costs,
and a cycle of poverty, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Preventive Measures:
Understanding the life cycles and modes of transmission of parasites is essential
for designing effective preventive measures. Public health parasitology helps in
developing strategies such as sanitation, hygiene, and health education to reduce
the risk of parasitic infections.
Treatment and Control:
Knowledge of the common parasites in the region is crucial for developing
appropriate treatment and control programs. This includes the use of antiparasitic
medications, vector control, and community-based interventions.
Surveillance and Monitoring:
REFERNCE

www.biology online.com

www.smcm.edu