Mini Review - Journal of Parasitic Diseases: Diagnosis and Therapy (2023) Volume 8, Issue 2

Toxoplasmosis: A review of the protozoan parasite and its impact on human and animal health.

Department of Medicine, and Department of Microbiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York

*Corresponding Author:

Arturo Anne
Department of Medicine, and Department of Microbiology
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, New York
E-mail: anne.arturo@ksu.edu.org

Received: 10-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AAPDDT-23-91350; Editor assigned: 11-Mar-2023, Pre QC No. AAPDDT-23-91350(PQ); Reviewed: 22-Mar-2023, QC No. AAPDDT-23-91350; Revised: 23-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AAPDDT-23-91350(R); Published: 31-Mar-2023, DOI: 10.35841/2591-7846-8.2.140

Citation: Arturo A. Toxoplasmosis: A review of the protozoan parasite and its impact on human and animal health. J Parasit Dis Diagn Ther. 2023;8(2):140

Abstract

Endoparasites are organisms that live within the tissues and organs of their host, obtaining their nutrition and shelter from their host while causing harm and potentially even death. These parasites are ubiquitous and affect various animal species, including humans. They are responsible for a significant burden of disease worldwide, causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Endoparasites can affect multiple organ systems and cause a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Diagnosis and treatment of endoparasitic infections can be challenging, requiring specialized diagnostic tests and the use of anthelmintic drugs. Prevention measures, including improved sanitation and hygiene practices, can help reduce the incidence of endoparasitic infections.

Keywords

Endoparasite.

Introduction

Parasites are organisms that live on or within another organism (host) and benefit from the host's resources. Parasites are found in every ecosystem and can impact the survival and reproduction of the host organism. In the food chain, parasites are an essential component, and their presence can impact the transmission of diseases among hosts, predators, and prey. The food chain network is a complex system that connects different organisms in a linear or non-linear way, and parasites can impact this network by changing the interactions among species. This essay discusses the role of parasitic agents in the food chain network, how they are transmitted, and the impact they have on the host organism [1].

Transmission of parasitic agents in the food chain network

Parasites can be transmitted in different ways, including through ingestion of contaminated food or water, sexual contact, or via a vector. In the food chain network, parasites can be transmitted from prey to predator, predator to prey, or between organisms at the same trophic level. For example, if a predator eats an infected prey, it can become infected with the same parasite [2,3]. Alternatively, a parasite can use a vector to infect a host organism. Vectors are organisms that transmit parasites from one host to another, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. For example, a mosquito can transmit the malaria parasite to a human when it feeds on their blood. In the food chain network, a predator can act as a vector by transmitting parasites from one prey species to another [4].

Impact of parasitic agents on the host organism

Parasitic agents can impact the host organism in various ways. They can cause diseases, weaken the immune system, and reduce the host's ability to survive and reproduce. Some parasites can also alter the behavior of the host organism, making them more susceptible to predation or less likely to reproduce. For example, the lancet liver fluke, a parasite of sheep, can infect the brain of the host and alter its behavior, causing it to move towards water where it can be eaten by the next host in the parasite's life cycle [5].

Parasitic agents can also have a significant impact on the population dynamics of host organisms. For example, if a parasite infects a large proportion of a population, it can cause a decline in the population size. This can have a cascading effect on the food chain network, as predators that rely on the host organism for food may also experience a decline in their population size.

Impact of parasitic agents on the food chain network

The presence of parasitic agents can impact the interactions among species in the food chain network. For example, if a parasite infects a predator, it can reduce its ability to hunt, which can impact the population size of its prey. Alternatively, if a parasite infects a prey species, it can make them more susceptible to predation, which can impact the population size of the predator. Parasitic agents can also impact the flow of energy and nutrients in the food chain network. For example, if a parasite infects a host organism, it can reduce its ability to acquire and use nutrients, which can impact the transfer of energy to higher trophic levels.

Conclusion

Parasitic agents are an essential component of the food chain network, and their presence can impact the transmission of diseases among hosts, predators, and prey. Parasites can be transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, sexual contact, or via a vector. They can cause diseases, weaken the immune system, and reduce the host's ability to survive and reproduce. Parasitic agents can also impact the interactions among species in the food chain network, as well as the flow of energy and nutrients.

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