Protozoaare a group of 65,000 (or possibly more) single-cell organisms.
Most humans will “host” a protozoa in or on their body at some point in their life.
This article explains the role of protozoa in infectious disease and how protozoan diseases are treated.
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What Are Protozoa?
Protozoa cause some common and some uncommon infections.
Some of these infections cause illness in millions of people each year; other diseases are rare.
What’s In a Name?
It was first coined in the 1800s.
Before then, the microscopic protozoa, defined by their organelles, could not be fully appreciated.
Less common protozoan diseases includeAfricantrypanosomiasisandamoebicdysentery.
Tsetse fly bites spread both.
The flies that spread sleeping sickness live in at least 36 countries.
The disease causes serious neurologic effects, and the treatment is complex.
In poorer, resource-limited areas, it’s hard to identify and treat.
Recap
Common protozoan infectious diseases include malaria, giardia, and toxoplasmosis.
Less common diseases include African trypanosomiasis and Amoebic dysentery.
Each condition affects the body differently.
Detecting Infections
Unlike other pathogens, cultures do not identify protozoa.
In addition, rapid blood tests for antibodies or antigens and PCR tests can detect their genetic material.
It may take multiplestool samples(maybe three) to diagnose this.
Entamoeba Histolytica
E. histolyticacan also be identified from stool samples.
Trypanosoma Brucei Rhodesiense
T. b.rhodesienseparasites can usually be found in the blood of infected people.
However, microscopic examination of a lymph node biopsy is more likely to identify the infection.
Diagnosing protozoan diseases may involve blood tests, stool tests, or biopsies.
A healthcare provider will decide which test is appropriate based on which protozoa they suspect.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on what protozoa are infecting you.
Some are a lot more successful than others.
For example, malaria is a common illness worldwide that hasstraightforward treatment.
Treatment also depends on whether the protozoa are drug-resistant.P.
falciparumespecially has grown resistant to some essential drugs over the last few decades.
Summary
Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can sometimes cause diseases.
Common protozoan diseases include malaria, giardia, and toxoplasmosis.
Treatment varies based on the cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Protozoa are microscopic, single-celled organisms.
There are four types or classes of protozoa.
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