accidental (incidental) host
Infection of a host other than the normal host species. A parasite may or may not continue full development in an accidental host.
apical complex
Polar complex of secretory organelles in sporozoan protozoa.
carrier
a host barboring a parasite but exhibiting no clinical signs or symptoms
commensalism
the association of two different species of organisms in which one partner is benefited and the other is nether benefited nor injured
definitive host
the animal in which a parasite passes its adult existence, sexual reproductive phase, or both
differential diagnosis
the clinical comparison of different diseases that exhibit similar symptoms; designed to determine which disease the patient has
disease
a definite morbid process having a characteristic train of symptoms
extoparasite
a parasite established on or in the body of its host
endoparasite
a parasite established within the body of its host
epidemiology
A field of science dealing with the relationships of the various factors that determine the frequency and distribution of an infectious process or disease in a community.
facultative parasite
An organism capable of living an independent or a parasitic existence; not an obligatory parasite, but potentially parasitic.
generic name (scientific name)
The name given to an organism consisting of its appropriate genus and species title.
genus
A taxonomic category subordinate to family (and tribe) and superior to species, grouping those organisms that are alike in broad features but different in detail.
host
The species of animal or plant that harbors a parasite and provides some metabolic resources to the parasitic species.
in vitro
observable in a test tube or other nonliving system
in vivo
within the living body
infection
Invasion of the body by a pathogenic organism (except arthropods), with accompanying reaction of the host tissues to the presence of the parasite.
infestation
The establishment of arthropods on or within a host (including insects, ticks, and mites).
intermediate host
The animal in which a parasite passes its larval stage or asexual reproduction phase.
metazoa
A subkingdom of animals consisting of all multicellular animal organisms in which cells are differentiated to form tissue. Includes all animals except protozoa.
obligatory parasite
A parasite that cannot live apart from its host.
parasitemia
The presence of parasites in the blood (e.g., malaria schizonts in red blood cells).
parasitism
The association of two different species of organisms in which the smaller species lives on or within the other and has a metabolic dependence on the larger host species.
pathogenic
Production of tissue changes or disease.
pathogenicity
the ability to produce pathogenic changes
reservoir host
An animal that harbors a species of parasite that is also parasitic for humans and from which a human may become infected.
serology
The study of antibody-antigen reactions in vitro, using host serum for study.
species
A taxonomic category subordinate to a genus. A species maintains its classification by not interbreeding with other species.
symbiosis
The association of two different species of organisms exhibiting metabolic dependence by their relationship.
transport host
An animal that harbors a parasite that does not reproduce; it carries the parasite from one location to another to infect a new host.
vectors
Any arthropods or other living carriers that transport a pathogenic microorganism from an infected to a noninfected host. A vector may transmit a disease passively (mechanical vector) or may be an essential host in the life cycle of the
pathogenic organis
zoonosis
A disease involving a parasite that has accidentally infected a human; the normal host for the parasite is an animal.