Question

How do protists harm us?

Answer 1

1. Although many protists are free-living, some demonstrate parasitic tendencies.
2. Such protists are typically responsible for human sickness.
3. Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, and Cryptosporidium are parasitic protist genera.

Human Diseases and Protists:

1. The majority of protist disorders in humans are caused by protozoa, which are animal-like protists.
2. Protozoa make humans sick when they become human parasites.

Trypanosoma Protozoa:

1. Members of the Trypanosoma genus are flagellate protozoa that cause sleeping sickness, which is prevalent in Africa.
2. They are also to blame for Chagas disease, which is prevalent in South America.
3. The parasites are spread via insect vectors.
4. Trypanosoma parasites enter the bloodstream when a vector bites.
5. They spread to other tissues and organs after that. Without medical treatment, the conditions could be lethal.

Protozoa Giardia:

1. Giardiasis is caused by flagellate protozoa.
2. Parasites enter the body through food or water contaminated with the excrement of sick people or animals.
3. The protozoa cling to the lining of the host's small intestine, preventing proper nutrient absorption.
4. They are also capable of causing diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever.

Protozoa Plasmodium:

1. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium.
2. A mosquito vector spreads the parasites.
3. Parasites enter the bloodstream of a host via the bite of an infected mosquito.
4. The parasites infect the red blood cells of the host, resulting in symptoms such as fever, joint discomfort, anemia, and weariness.