Parasites

Introduction

Parasitology is the study of parasites, their hosts and the relationship between the two. Parasitology, as opposed to microbiology is generally concerned with eukaryote organisms. The parasitic mode of life is the most common on the planet and the number of parasitic species greatly exceeds the number of free-living hosts.

Understanding parasitology is crucial to veterinarians. Identification, control and treatment will be part of the daily routine for most vets, from common problems such as fleas on domestic animals, seasonal outbreaks of worms in livestock and tick problems in wildlife.

In this parasitology section, entomology, protozoology and helminthology will be described with the most important veterinary species covered in greater details than the lesser important parasites. Anthelmintics, antiparasiticides and the immune response to parasitic infection are covered elsewhere on the wiki and should be used to reinforce how parasites can be treated and controlled.

The Basics