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25.4 Parasitic Infections of the Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems

4 min read•june 18, 2024

Parasitic infections of the circulatory and lymphatic systems are serious global health concerns. These infections, including malaria, , and , involve complex life cycles that alternate between human hosts and insect vectors.

Understanding these parasites' life cycles, symptoms, and treatments is crucial for effective management. The global impact of tropical diseases like and highlights the need for comprehensive prevention strategies and ongoing research to combat these persistent health threats.

Parasitic Infections of the Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems

Life cycles of circulatory parasites

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  • Malaria
    • Caused by species (, , , ) protozoan parasites
    • Transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female (vector-borne disease)
    • involves multiple stages in both human and mosquito hosts
      1. injected into human bloodstream during mosquito bite travel to liver cells
      2. Sporozoites infect liver cells, multiply asexually, and release into the bloodstream
      3. Merozoites infect red blood cells, undergo further asexual reproduction, and cause cell lysis
      4. Some merozoites differentiate into male and female within red blood cells
      5. Gametocytes ingested by mosquito during blood meal, sexual reproduction occurs in mosquito gut producing sporozoites
    • Parasites employ to evade host immune responses
  • Toxoplasmosis
    • Caused by , an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite
    • Transmission to humans occurs through multiple routes
      • Ingestion of undercooked meat (pork, lamb) containing tissue cysts
      • Ingestion of from contaminated cat feces in environment (soil, water)
      • Vertical transmission from infected mother to fetus during (congenital toxoplasmosis)
    • Life cycle involves asexual and sexual reproduction in different hosts
      • Oocysts ingested by humans or animals, release sporozoites in small intestine
      • Sporozoites invade intestinal epithelium, multiply as rapidly dividing
      • Tachyzoites disseminate throughout the body, form slow-growing tissue cysts () in various organs (brain, heart, skeletal muscle)
  • Chagas Disease
    • Caused by , a flagellated protozoan parasite
    • Transmitted to humans primarily by (kissing bugs) endemic to Latin America
    • Life cycle alternates between insect vector and mammalian hosts
      • Trypomastigotes in bug feces enter human body through bite wound or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth)
      • Trypomastigotes invade cells near entry site, differentiate into intracellular amastigotes
      • Amastigotes multiply by binary fission within cells, differentiate back into trypomastigotes
      • Trypomastigotes released into bloodstream upon cell rupture, infect new cells or get ingested by during blood meal

Symptoms and treatment of parasitic diseases

  • Malaria
    • Symptoms include periodic high fever, chills, headache, anemia due to red blood cell destruction, and enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
    • Diagnosis made by microscopic examination of blood smears to detect parasites and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that detect parasite antigens
    • Treatment involves (ACT), for certain species, and to prevent relapse
  • Toxoplasmosis
    • Symptoms in immunocompetent individuals often mild or absent, may include flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
      • Congenital toxoplasmosis can cause severe symptoms in newborns (hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications, chorioretinitis)
    • Diagnosis based on serology (IgM and IgG antibodies), PCR detection of parasite DNA, and histopathology of tissue samples
    • Treatment with combination of and , used during pregnancy to reduce transmission to fetus
  • Chagas Disease
    • Symptoms occur in two phases
      • Acute phase: Fever, swelling at inoculation site (), unilateral eyelid edema ()
      • Chronic phase: Cardiomyopathy leading to heart failure, dilated esophagus (megaesophagus), enlarged colon (megacolon)
    • Diagnosis through serology to detect antibodies, PCR for parasite DNA, and microscopic examination of blood smears in acute phase
    • Treatment with antiparasitic drugs or , more effective in acute phase

Global impacts of tropical diseases

    • Caused by species of protozoan parasites, transmitted to humans by infected female
    • Global impact: Endemic in 98 countries across 5 continents, estimated 1.3 million new cases annually, 20,000-30,000 deaths per year
    • Prevention strategies focus on vector control and reservoir host management
      • Use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) to reduce populations
      • Culling of infected dogs that serve as reservoir hosts for zoonotic Leishmania species
      • Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of human cases to prevent further transmission
  • Schistosomiasis
    • Caused by trematode parasites of the genus (, , ), transmitted through contact with freshwater containing infected snails
    • Global impact: Affects over 240 million people worldwide, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, causes significant morbidity and socioeconomic burden
    • Prevention strategies aim to break the transmission cycle and reduce disease burden
      • Improved sanitation and hygiene to reduce contamination of water sources with human waste containing parasite eggs
      • Snail control using molluscicides to decrease intermediate host populations
      • Mass drug administration (MDA) with to treat infected individuals and reduce parasite loads
      • Health education and behavior change programs to promote safe water practices and reduce contact with contaminated water sources

Parasite-Host Interactions

  • : The presence of parasites in the bloodstream, often used to quantify infection intensity
  • : Some parasites can modulate or suppress the host immune response to facilitate their survival and replication
  • : The tendency of certain parasites to preferentially infect specific tissues or organs, influencing disease manifestation and pathology

Key Terms to Review (105)

African Sleeping Sickness: African sleeping sickness, also known as trypanosomiasis, is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma brucei, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected tsetse fly. It primarily affects individuals living in sub-Saharan Africa and can lead to severe neurological symptoms if left untreated.
Amastigote: An amastigote is a non-flagellated, round or oval-shaped life stage of certain parasitic protozoa, particularly those that infect the circulatory and lymphatic systems. This intracellular form of the parasite is adapted to survive and replicate within the host's cells.
American trypanosomiasis: American trypanosomiasis, also known as Chagas disease, is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It primarily affects the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.
Amphotericin B: Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication primarily used to treat serious fungal infections. It works by binding to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, causing cell death.
Amphotericin B: Amphotericin B is a potent antifungal medication used to treat a variety of serious fungal infections. It is a polyene macrolide antibiotic that disrupts the cell membrane of fungal cells, leading to their death or inhibition of growth. Amphotericin B is particularly relevant in the contexts of mechanisms of other antimicrobial drugs, respiratory mycoses, and parasitic infections of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Anopheles: Anopheles is a genus of mosquitoes that are the primary vectors for the transmission of malaria parasites to humans. These mosquitoes are characterized by their distinct resting posture and play a crucial role in the parasitic infections of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Anopheles mosquito: Anopheles mosquito is a genus of mosquitoes known primarily for transmitting malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites to humans. They are most active during dusk and dawn.
Antigenic Variation: Antigenic variation is the ability of pathogens, such as parasites and viruses, to alter their surface antigens or epitopes to evade the host's immune response. This process allows the pathogen to repeatedly infect the same host by presenting new antigenic targets, making it challenging for the immune system to mount an effective and lasting defense.
Artemether: Artemether is an antimalarial drug used to treat infections caused by Plasmodium parasites. It is a derivative of artemisinin and often used in combination with lumefantrine.
Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy: Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is a malaria treatment approach that combines the fast-acting antimalarial drug artemisinin or its derivatives with a longer-acting partner drug. This combination therapy is highly effective in treating and preventing the spread of malaria, a parasitic infection that primarily affects the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Atovaquone: Atovaquone is an antimicrobial drug that inhibits the mitochondrial electron transport chain in protozoa and fungi. It is primarily used to treat and prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia and malaria.
Babesia spp: Babesia spp are protozoan parasites that infect red blood cells, causing babesiosis. They are transmitted primarily through tick bites.
Babesiosis: Babesiosis is a parasitic infection of the red blood cells caused by protozoa of the genus Babesia, commonly transmitted through tick bites. It primarily affects the circulatory system and can result in hemolytic anemia.
Benznidazole: Benznidazole is an antiprotozoal medication primarily used to treat Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It interferes with the DNA synthesis of the parasite, leading to its death.
Benznidazole: Benznidazole is a medication used to treat Chagas disease, a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It works by disrupting the cellular processes of the parasite, leading to its death or inhibition of its growth and reproduction within the human host.
Blood Smear: A blood smear is a microscopic examination of a thin layer of blood spread onto a glass slide. It is a common diagnostic tool used to assess the cellular components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, in the context of various parasitic infections affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Bradyzoites: Bradyzoites are the slowly dividing, encysted life stage of certain parasitic protozoa, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis species. These dormant forms are crucial for the parasite's long-term survival and transmission within the host organism.
Catheter-related bloodstream infection: Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is an infection that occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the bloodstream through a central venous catheter. It is a serious condition often associated with hospital settings and can lead to severe complications.
Cercarial dermatitis: Cercarial dermatitis, also known as swimmer's itch, is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain parasites that infect birds and mammals. These parasites are released from infected snails into fresh and saltwater, where they can come into contact with human skin.
Chagas Disease: Chagas disease is a potentially life-threatening parasitic infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It primarily affects the circulatory and lymphatic systems, leading to various complications if left untreated.
Chagoma: A chagoma is a localized inflammatory nodule or lesion that develops at the site of entry of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. It is a characteristic sign of the acute phase of Chagas disease and represents the body's initial immune response to the infection.
Chloroquine: Chloroquine is an antimalarial drug that also exhibits bactericidal properties. It interferes with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells.
Chloroquine: Chloroquine is an antimalarial drug that has also been studied for its potential use against certain viral infections. It is a synthetic compound that disrupts the replication and spread of parasites and viruses within the human body.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies. It primarily affects the skin, leading to ulcerative lesions.
Enterotoxin: Enterotoxin is a type of exotoxin produced by bacteria that targets the intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. These toxins are often implicated in foodborne illnesses and gastrointestinal infections.
Flaccid cardiomegaly: Flaccid cardiomegaly refers to the abnormal enlargement of the heart characterized by weak, floppy cardiac muscles. It is often associated with parasitic infections affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Gametocytes: Gametocytes are the sexual reproductive stages of certain unicellular eukaryotic parasites, such as those that cause malaria. They are responsible for the transmission of the parasite from the human host to the mosquito vector, enabling the continuation of the parasite's life cycle.
Giemsa-stained: Giemsa staining is a technique used to stain and visualize various cellular components, particularly in the context of parasitic infections of the circulatory and lymphatic systems. It involves the application of a specialized dye mixture that differentially stains different cellular structures, allowing for the identification and characterization of parasites and other microorganisms.
Glycosome: A glycosome is a specialized organelle found in certain eukaryotic organisms, particularly parasitic protozoans such as trypanosomes and leishmania. Glycosomes are responsible for compartmentalizing key metabolic processes, including glycolysis, which is the initial step in the breakdown of glucose to generate energy.
Immunosuppression: Immunosuppression refers to the reduction or inhibition of the normal immune response, either through natural means or through medical intervention. This can have significant implications in various areas of health and disease.
Kinetoplast: A kinetoplast is a DNA-containing structure found in the mitochondria of certain protozoans, particularly those belonging to the order Kinetoplastida. It is a distinct feature of these parasitic organisms and plays a crucial role in their cellular processes and survival within their hosts.
Leishmania: Leishmania is a genus of protozoan parasites that are the causative agents of the disease leishmaniasis. These parasites primarily infect the cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system, including macrophages, and can lead to a range of clinical manifestations depending on the species and the host's immune response.
Leishmania donovani: Leishmania donovani is a protozoan parasite that causes visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, a severe and potentially fatal form of leishmaniasis. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected sand flies and primarily affects the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Leishmaniasis: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites from the Leishmania genus. It is transmitted through the bites of infected female phlebotomine sandflies.
Leishmaniasis: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania protozoa, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected sand flies. It is a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, and is classified as a neglected tropical disease. Leishmaniasis is closely associated with the topics of Unicellular Eukaryotic Parasites and Parasitic Infections of the Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems. The Leishmania parasites are unicellular eukaryotic organisms that infect and replicate within the host's immune cells, primarily macrophages. The disease can manifest in various forms, including cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral leishmaniasis, depending on the species of Leishmania involved and the host's immune response.
Leukocidin: Leukocidin is a type of cytotoxin created by certain bacteria that can kill white blood cells, thereby weakening the immune response. It is often associated with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species.
Life cycle: A life cycle is the series of developmental stages through which an organism passes from its inception to the stage at which it reproduces and generates a new individual. In microbiology, understanding life cycles is crucial for identifying how pathogens propagate and cause infections.
Lipophosphoglycan: Lipophosphoglycan (LPG) is a complex glycolipid found on the surface of certain parasitic protozoa, particularly those that infect the circulatory and lymphatic systems. It plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and immune evasion strategies of these parasites.
Lumefantrine: Lumefantrine is an antimalarial drug used in combination with artemether to treat acute uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It interferes with the conversion of heme to hemozoin, which is toxic to the malaria parasite.
Melarsoprol: Melarsoprol is an arsenic-based medication used to treat late-stage African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness. It is a highly effective but potentially toxic drug that targets the parasites responsible for this deadly disease affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Merozoites: Merozoites are the invasive stage of the malaria parasite that infects red blood cells during the asexual reproduction cycle. They play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of malaria, a parasitic infection that affects the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Miltefosine: Miltefosine is an antimicrobial agent effective against certain protozoal infections, particularly leishmaniasis and amoebic meningoencephalitis. It works by disrupting cell membrane integrity and inhibiting cellular functions of the parasites.
Montenegro Test: The Montenegro test is a skin test used to diagnose infection with the parasitic protozoan Leishmania, the causative agent of leishmaniasis. It is a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction that indicates prior exposure and immune response to the parasite.
MRSA: MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of Gram-positive bacterium that is resistant to several widely used antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. It commonly causes skin and soft tissue infections but can lead to more severe invasive diseases.
Mucosal leishmaniasis: Mucosal leishmaniasis is a severe form of leishmaniasis that affects the mucous membranes, particularly in the nose, mouth, and throat. It is caused by protozoan parasites from the Leishmania genus and can lead to significant tissue damage.
Myocarditis: Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle, often caused by viral infections. It can lead to impaired heart function and severe complications if untreated.
Neglected tropical disease: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections that primarily affect impoverished populations in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases often lead to long-term disability and social stigma.
Nifurtimox: Nifurtimox is an antiparasitic medication primarily used to treat Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. It functions by generating free radicals that damage the DNA of the parasite.
Nifurtimox: Nifurtimox is a medication primarily used to treat Chagas disease, a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It works by interfering with the metabolism of the parasite, leading to its destruction within the host's body.
Nothing But Nets campaign: The Nothing But Nets campaign is a global initiative aimed at preventing malaria by providing insecticide-treated bed nets to vulnerable populations. It is endorsed by organizations like the United Nations Foundation and focuses on protecting individuals from mosquito bites that can transmit malaria parasites.
Oocysts: Oocysts are the environmentally resistant, infective stage of certain parasitic protozoa, such as Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma, that can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, or soil. These hardy structures allow the parasites to survive outside a host and facilitate their spread to new hosts.
P. falciparum: P. falciparum is a species of Plasmodium parasite that is the deadliest form of malaria and is primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is responsible for the most severe cases of malaria and can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.
P. malariae: P. malariae is a species of Plasmodium parasite that causes a type of malaria infection in humans. It is one of the five Plasmodium species known to infect and cause disease in humans, and is characterized by a unique 72-hour cycle of fever and chills.
P. ovale: P. ovale is a species of Plasmodium parasite that causes a type of malaria infection in humans. It is one of the five Plasmodium species known to infect humans and is primarily found in parts of West Africa and Southeast Asia.
P. vivax: P. vivax is a species of the Plasmodium parasite that causes malaria, a serious and potentially life-threatening infectious disease primarily transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. This parasite is one of the five Plasmodium species known to infect humans and is the second most common cause of malaria worldwide.
Parasitemia: Parasitemia refers to the presence of parasites in the blood. It is a key concept in understanding parasitic infections that target the circulatory and lymphatic systems, as the presence and levels of parasites in the bloodstream are crucial indicators of disease progression and severity.
Phlebotomine Sandflies: Phlebotomine sandflies are small, blood-sucking insects that are vectors for various parasitic diseases, particularly those affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems. They are known to transmit several protozoan parasites that cause significant human health problems.
Plasmodium: Plasmodium is a genus of unicellular eukaryotic parasites known to cause malaria in humans. These parasites are transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
Praziquantel: Praziquantel is an antiparasitic medication used to treat infections caused by various species of parasitic worms, specifically schistosomiasis and liver flukes. It works by causing severe spasms and paralysis of the worms' muscles, leading to their death.
Praziquantel: Praziquantel is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug primarily used to treat infections caused by various types of parasitic worms, including schistosomes, tapeworms, and flukes. It is a highly effective medication that disrupts the structural and metabolic functions of parasitic helminths, leading to their elimination from the host's body.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy is the condition of carrying one or more embryos or fetuses in the uterus. It typically lasts around 40 weeks from the last menstrual period to childbirth.
Primaquine: Primaquine is an antimalarial drug that is primarily used to prevent and treat Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale malaria infections. It is effective against the dormant liver stage of these parasites, known as hypnozoites, which can cause relapses of malaria even after initial treatment.
Promastigote: A promastigote is a flagellated, motile form of certain parasitic protozoans, particularly those in the genus Leishmania, which are responsible for causing leishmaniasis, a group of infectious diseases that primarily affect the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Pyrimethamine: Pyrimethamine is an antiparasitic drug primarily used to treat toxoplasmosis and malaria. It works by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme necessary for the replication of protozoal DNA.
Pyrimethamine: Pyrimethamine is an antiprotozoal drug primarily used in the treatment and prevention of malaria, as well as in the treatment of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. It works by inhibiting the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, which is essential for the synthesis of DNA and cell division in protozoan parasites.
Quartan malaria: Quartan malaria is a type of malaria caused by the Plasmodium malariae parasite, characterized by fever cycles occurring every 72 hours (three days). It is less common than other forms of malaria but can cause chronic infection if untreated.
Quinine: Quinine is a naturally occurring alkaloid used primarily as an antimalarial drug. It interferes with the parasite's ability to digest hemoglobin, leading to its death.
Romaña sign: The Romaña sign is a characteristic clinical manifestation associated with the early stages of Chagas disease, a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is an important diagnostic feature that helps identify the initial phase of this potentially life-threatening disease.
S. haematobium: S. haematobium is a parasitic trematode worm that causes urogenital schistosomiasis, a disease affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems. It is one of the major species of Schistosoma responsible for human schistosomiasis infections worldwide.
S. japonicum: S. japonicum is a species of parasitic flatworm that causes schistosomiasis, a chronic and debilitating disease that primarily affects the circulatory and lymphatic systems. This trematode parasite is a major public health concern in parts of Asia, particularly in China, the Philippines, and Japan.
S. mansoni: S. mansoni is a parasitic flatworm that causes schistosomiasis, a chronic and debilitating disease primarily affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems. It is one of the most prevalent parasitic infections worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
Sand fly: Sand flies are small, blood-sucking insects that are vectors for various parasitic infections, notably Leishmaniasis. They thrive in warm climates and are primarily active during nighttime.
Sandfly: A sandfly is a small, hairy, blood-sucking insect that belongs to the family Phlebotominae. These insects are known vectors for various parasitic infections, particularly those affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Schistosoma: Schistosoma is a genus of parasitic flatworms, also known as blood flukes, that cause the disease schistosomiasis. These eukaryotic pathogens are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
Schistosomiasis: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma. It primarily affects the urinary and intestinal tracts and is transmitted through contact with contaminated freshwater.
Schizogony: Schizogony is a type of asexual reproduction in unicellular eukaryotic parasites where the nucleus divides multiple times before the cell splits into several daughter cells. This process is common in certain protozoans, such as Plasmodium species.
Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's extreme response to an infection, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and potentially death. It occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight an infection trigger widespread inflammation.
Spiramycin: Spiramycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections. It is particularly effective against Toxoplasma gondii, often prescribed for toxoplasmosis in pregnant women.
Spiramycin: Spiramycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat various parasitic infections, particularly those affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems. It works by interfering with protein synthesis in susceptible microorganisms, inhibiting their growth and proliferation.
Sporozoites: Sporozoites are the infective stage of certain parasitic protozoa, such as those that cause malaria and toxoplasmosis. They are the form of the parasite that is transmitted to a host, typically through the bite of an infected insect vector, and then invade the host's cells to initiate the parasitic life cycle.
Staphylococcus aureus: Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly found on the skin and in the nasal passages. It can cause a range of infections from minor skin conditions to severe diseases like pneumonia and sepsis.
Stibogluconate: Stibogluconate is an antimonial compound used to treat leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems. It interferes with parasite metabolism, leading to their death.
Sulfadiazine: Sulfadiazine is a sulfonamide antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections by inhibiting the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria. It is often combined with other drugs to enhance its efficacy.
Sulfadiazine: Sulfadiazine is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the sulfonamide class of drugs. It is commonly used in the treatment of various parasitic infections, including those affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Surface Glycoproteins: Surface glycoproteins are complex carbohydrate-protein molecules that are embedded in the outer membrane of cells, including those found on the surfaces of parasites. These glycoproteins play crucial roles in various cellular processes, such as cell-cell recognition, adhesion, and signaling, which are particularly important in the context of parasitic infections of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Tachyzoites: Tachyzoites are the rapidly multiplying, invasive stage of certain parasitic protozoa, such as Toxoplasma gondii, that can infect the circulatory and lymphatic systems of the human host. They are the primary means by which these parasites spread and cause disease within the body.
Tertian malaria: Tertian malaria is a form of malaria characterized by fever episodes that occur every 48 hours. It is commonly caused by Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium ovale.
Tissue Tropism: Tissue tropism refers to the preference or affinity of a pathogen, such as a virus, bacterium, or parasite, to infect and replicate within specific types of host tissues or cells. This term is particularly relevant in the context of parasitic infections of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, as these systems provide the pathways for parasites to access and target various tissues throughout the body.
TORCH: TORCH is an acronym for a group of infectious diseases that can cause severe complications in pregnant women and their fetuses. It includes Toxoplasmosis, Other (syphilis, varicella-zoster, parvovirus B19), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes simplex virus.
Toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST): Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin (TSST) is a superantigen produced by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus. It can trigger an excessive immune response, leading to toxic shock syndrome.
Toxoplasma gondii: Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasitic protozoan that can infect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease that can have significant health implications, particularly for pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the unicellular eukaryotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It primarily affects the circulatory and lymphatic systems, often with mild symptoms in healthy individuals but can cause serious complications in immunocompromised patients and during pregnancy.
Trematodes: Trematodes, also known as flukes, are parasitic flatworms that infect various parts of the body including the liver, lungs, and blood vessels. They are a type of helminth with complex life cycles often involving multiple hosts.
Triatomine bug: Triatomine bugs are blood-sucking insects known to transmit Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite responsible for Chagas disease. These bugs are commonly found in the Americas, particularly in rural areas.
Triatomine Bugs: Triatomine bugs, also known as kissing bugs, are blood-feeding insects that are the primary vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. These insects belong to the Reduviidae family and are found predominantly in the Americas, where they thrive in rural and impoverished areas.
Trypanosoma brucei: Trypanosoma brucei is a parasitic protozoan that is the causative agent of African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness. It is a hemoflagellate parasite that infects the circulatory and lymphatic systems, as well as the central nervous system in humans and other mammals.
Trypanosoma cruzi: Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite that is the causative agent of Chagas disease, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the circulatory and lymphatic systems. This parasite is transmitted primarily by blood-sucking triatomine bugs, also known as 'kissing bugs', and can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and congenital transmission from mother to child.
Trypanosomiasis: Trypanosomiasis is a group of parasitic diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Trypanosoma. These diseases primarily affect the circulatory and lymphatic systems, leading to severe health consequences if left untreated.
Trypomastigote: A trypomastigote is a distinctive life stage of certain parasitic protozoa, such as Trypanosoma, that is adapted for transmission between hosts. Trypomastigotes are elongated, flagellated cells that circulate in the bloodstream and lymphatic system, allowing the parasite to infect new hosts.
Tsetse fly: The tsetse fly is a blood-feeding insect known for transmitting Trypanosoma brucei, the parasite responsible for African sleeping sickness. It primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe neurological symptoms and potentially fatal outcomes.
Tsetse Fly: The tsetse fly is a blood-feeding insect that serves as the vector for the parasitic protozoa that cause African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, in humans and nagana in animals. It is a key component in the transmission of these parasitic infections within the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Vector-Borne Diseases: Vector-borne diseases are infectious diseases transmitted by the bite of infected arthropod species, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. These diseases are particularly relevant in the context of unicellular eukaryotic parasites and parasitic infections of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, as many of the causative agents are protozoan or helminthic parasites that rely on vectors for transmission between hosts.
Visceral leishmaniasis: Visceral leishmaniasis is a severe parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania donovani complex. It predominantly affects internal organs, particularly the spleen, liver, and bone marrow.
VSG Switching: VSG switching is a mechanism employed by certain parasitic protozoa, such as Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of African sleeping sickness, to evade the host's immune system. It involves the sequential expression of different variants of a surface protein called the Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG), which helps the parasite avoid recognition and destruction by the host's antibodies.
Zoonotic Transmission: Zoonotic transmission refers to the process by which infectious diseases are transmitted from animals to humans. This term is particularly relevant in the context of various microbiology topics, as it highlights the importance of understanding the complex interplay between different species and the potential for disease spread across the animal-human interface.
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