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Gruesome but not often lethal:
One of my Favorite Parasites
- Thread starter BillTre
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on various parasites, particularly highlighting Dracunculus medinensis and Onchocerca volvulus. Dracunculus medinensis, known as the "dragon of Medina," is noted for its complex life cycle and association with historical figures like Jimmy Carter. Onchocerca volvulus, responsible for river blindness, involves a multifaceted interaction between the parasitic worm and the bacterium Wolbachia, which exacerbates tissue damage and inflammation. The mention of hyperparasites and superparasites adds depth to the understanding of these organisms' ecological relationships.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of parasitology concepts
- Familiarity with the life cycles of parasitic organisms
- Knowledge of the role of Wolbachia in parasitic infections
- Basic awareness of the impact of parasites on human health
- Research the life cycle and transmission of Dracunculus medinensis
- Study the pathology and treatment of Onchocerca volvulus infections
- Explore the role of Wolbachia in enhancing parasitic infections
- Investigate the concept of hyperparasites and their ecological significance
Students of parasitology, healthcare professionals, and researchers interested in the interactions between parasites and their hosts.
- #2
sbrothy
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Yeah, that one is particularly nasty. Poor fish is eating and eating not understanding why not much enters the stomach. Look up hyperparasites too. I think the record is about 14, where only the innermost one survives. Natures sure isn't pretty!
EDIT: Well, I don't know where I came up with that number. I seem to remember reading it but I may be wrong...
EDIT2: And apparently superparasite is a word too. Sounds really nice.
EDIT: Well, I don't know where I came up with that number. I seem to remember reading it but I may be wrong...
EDIT2: And apparently superparasite is a word too. Sounds really nice.
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pinball1970
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That is horrific.BillTre said:
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Cepacia
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My favorite - Dracunculus medinensis - dragon of Medina. Great life cycle
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Jimmy Carter was their nemesis.Cepacia said:
Human parasite. Nasty to get.
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DaveC426913
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sbrothy said:
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pinball1970
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Favourite is the wrong word but this stood out when I read about it.
River blindness caused a combination of Black fly bite then infection of the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus (seen exiting the fly via its antenna below)
Once in the body larvae do the damage to the tissues including the cornea.
This cycle has additional effect of the bacterium, Wolbachia (present in the worms) which increases the inflammatory response.
So not one but three organisms working together. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onchocerca_volvulus
River blindness caused a combination of Black fly bite then infection of the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus (seen exiting the fly via its antenna below)
Once in the body larvae do the damage to the tissues including the cornea.
This cycle has additional effect of the bacterium, Wolbachia (present in the worms) which increases the inflammatory response.
So not one but three organisms working together. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onchocerca_volvulus
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