Infectious Diseases and HIV Conference

Parasitology is the study of parasites and association with the host. It's pretty fundamental to understand infectious diseases proper since parasitic infections are caused due to organisms such as protozoa, worms, and ectoparasites like lice and mites.

The parasites derive nourishment from a host, causing disease in the process.. Tropical and subtropical regions harbor most parasitic diseases, though they can also be prevalent in other regions of the world, providing significant global health challenges.

Such some of the most common parasitic infections include malaria, which is caused by the Plasmodium protozoan, transmitted through a mosquito, and schistosomiasis, which is by an infection caused by a helminth acquired during contact with infected fresh water.

Other commonly known parasitic diseases are giardiasis, leishmaniasis, and toxoplasmosis. The symptoms of parasitic infections differ based on the species invading the body.

However, some infections might be as minor as gastrointestinal upsets and others can be severe with neurological or respiratory signs. For instance, such parasitic diseases like malaria left untreated could become fatal.

Mainly, trans transmissions are through vectors: examples include mosquitoes, contaminated food and water, contact with infected persons, and poor sanitary conditions.

Preventive measures include controlling vectors, proper sanitation, safe consumption of foods and waters, and prophylactic treatments. For instance, bed nets treated with insecticides have reduced the spread of malaria immensely. Treatment of parasitic infections varies with the type of parasite.

The drugs used in this treatment are known as antiparasitic drugs - including antimalarials or anthelmintics - specially targeted to eliminate the parasite at its life cycle in the host organism.

Drug resistance is a very important issue in parasitology, particularly for malaria, as there have been several cases of resistance to certain antimalarial drugs that led to the development of new therapies in this sector of medicine.

The session will cover the basics of parasitology and its relevance to management of infectious diseases. The biology of parasites, mechanisms of disease transmission, and new approaches in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are things they learn.

Global control of parasitic diseases, along with research efforts still being directed at overcoming resistance to antimicrobial therapy, is discussed.