Protozoa

Definition

Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic organisms that can cause various infectious diseases in humans. They are often transmitted through contaminated water, food, or vectors like mosquitoes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Protozoa are responsible for diseases such as malaria, amoebiasis, and giardiasis.
2. They can be classified into several groups including amoebae, flagellates, ciliates, and sporozoans.
3. Anti-protozoal drugs target specific stages of the protozoan life cycle to eliminate the infection.
4. Resistance to anti-protozoal drugs is an emerging problem in treatment.
5. Common anti-protozoal medications include metronidazole, chloroquine, and artemisinin-based therapies.

Review Questions

• What types of diseases are caused by protozoa?
• How are protozoa typically transmitted to humans?
• Name three common medications used to treat protozoal infections.

Related terms

Antiparasitic Drugs: Medications used to treat infections caused by parasites including protozoa and helminths.

Helminths: Parasitic worms that can infect the human body causing various diseases.

Vector-borne Transmission: The spread of pathogens through carriers such as mosquitoes or ticks.