Insecta

Fleas

More information about fleas

taken from:www.tynedale.gov.uk/.../serviceinfo.asp?type=318

Physiology and Structure:

They are small, wingless insects with laterally compressed bodies, long legs that are adapted for jumping and mouthparts to suck blood from the host.

 

Clinical Syndromes:

  • The irriatation caused by the flea saliva may produce physical findings that vary from small, red welts to diffuse, red rash.
  • Some flea bites may be painful and pruritic.
  • Infected tissues can lead to severe inflammation and ulcerated.
  • In extreme cases, amputation is needed.

 

Diagnosis:

Flea infestation is inferred in a patient with disturbing bites who is also a pet owner. Both the patient and the pet usually undergo examination which reveals the characteristic insect.

 

Treatment, Prevention and Control:

  • Insecticides can help to control fleas at the source.
  • Repellents can also protect people against fleabites.
  • Flea collars or powder are also one of the effective preventive measures.

 

We do not take credit for any of the information found in this website. All the information is obtained from various forms of literature.

Parasite is defined as an organism that derives its nutrients from another living organism, the host. Parasitic diseases are usually referred to those caused by protozoa, helminths and arthropods which love at the expense of their host. Successful parasites are the ones who are able to maintain their own life processes without killing their host.

Several ways to distinguish parasites infection and bacteria/viruses infection:

  1. Parasites have a complex life cycle that involves the formation of resistant cyst in the organism. (it can usually survive for long periods outside the host.)
  2. Life cycle might involve an insect vector (carrier) that is important for the transmission of disease. In most cases, it is impossible to eliminate the vector effectively.
  3. Some parasites are capable of infecting both humans and animals, thus both can act as reservoirs for the infection. This is true for most protozal infections carried by insects.
  4. Many parasites has life cycle that requires enough time to allow for the various stages to mature, either in soil or in an insect or host.