1.) What are protozoans?

Protozoa are a diverse group of unicellular eukaryotic organisms,[1] many of which are motile.
Historically, protozoa were defined as unicellular protists with animal-like behaviour, such
as movement or i.e., motility. Protozoa were regarded as the partner group of protists
to protophyta, which have plant-like behavior, e.g. photosynthesis. The term protozoan has
become highly problematic due to the introduction of modern ultrastructural, biochemical, and
genetic techniques. Today, protozoan are usually single-celled
andheterotrophic eukaryotes containing non-filamentous structures that belong to any of the
major lineages of protists. They are restricted to moist or aquatic habitats (i.e., they are obligate
aquatic organisms). Many protozoan species are symbionts, some areparasites, and some are
predators of faeces bacteria and algae. There are an estimated 30,000 protozoan species.
2.) List down at least 10 distinguishing characteristics of protozoans
Subkingdom Protozoa
-animal-like protists
Common features of protozoa:
1. all unicellular
2. all chemoheterotrophs
3. reproduce sexually or asexually
4. most are aerobic
5. require high moisture
6. have specialized structures to take in food
7. usually covered by a pellicle (no wall)
8. digestion occurs in vacuoles
9. excretion occurs through anal pore

Life cycle
-switch between two forms:
1. trophozoite
-vegetative state, feeding and growing
2. cyst

-survival state
-form cyst when conditions bad or need to
move from one host to next (cysts
survive stomach acid)
Characteristics[edit]
Protozoa commonly range in length between 10 to 52 micrometers, but can grow as large as
1 mm. They are easily seen with a microscope. The largest protozoa are known as deep-sea
dwelling xenophyophores, which can grow up to 20 cm in diameter. They were formerly
considered to be part of the protista family. Protozoa exist throughout aqueousenvironments
and soil, occupying a range of trophic levels. They are eukaryotic unicellular and aquatic
organisms that can be flagellates (motile with flagella), ciliates (motile with cilia),
and amoebas (motile by means of pseudopodia). Flagellates are the most numerous soil protozoa.
Motility and digestion[edit]
Tulodens are 2 of the slow-moving form of protozoa[citation needed]. They move around with whiplike tails called flagella (5-10m long), hair-like structures called cilia (20-30 m long), or footlike structures called pseudopodia (2m thick by 20 m). Others do not move at all. Protozoa
may absorb food via their cell membranes, some, e.g., amoebas, surround food and engulf it, and
yet others have openings or "mouth pores" into which they sweep food,and that engulfing of food
is said to be phagocytosis. All protozoa digest their food in stomach-like compartments
called vacuoles.[6]
Pellicle[edit]
The pellicle is a thin layer supporting the cell membrane in various protozoa, protecting them and
allowing them to retain their shape, especially during locomotion, allowing the organism to be
more hydrodynamic. They vary from flexible and elastic to rigid. Although somewhat stiff, the
pellicle is also flexible and allows the protist to fit into tighter spaces.
Inciliates and Apicomplexa, it is formed from closely packed vesicles called alveoli. In euglenids,
it is formed from protein strips arranged spirally along the length of the body. Examples of
protists with a pellicle are the euglenoids and the paramecium, a ciliate. In some protozoa, the
pellicle consists of many bacteria that adhere to the surface by theirfimbriae or "attachment
pili".[7] Thus, attachment pili allow the organisms to remain in the broth, from which they take
nutrients, while they congregate near air, where the oxygen concentration is greatest.
Ecological role[edit]
As components of the micro- and meiofauna, protozoa are an important food source
for microinvertebrates. Thus, the ecological role of protozoa in the transfer of bacterial and algal
production to successive trophic levels is important. As predators, they prey

upon unicellular or filamentous algae, bacteria, and microfungi. Protozoa are

both herbivoresand consumers in the decomposer link of the food chain. They also control
bacteria populations and biomass to some extent. On average, Protozoa eat ~ 100 to 1,000
bacteria per hour. Protozoa such as the malaria parasites
(Plasmodium spp.), trypanosomes and leishmania, are also important disease causing agents in
humans. Protozoa can stimulate OM decomposition, digest cellulose in rumen of cows and
termite guts, and play a role in nutrient mobilization.
Life cycle[edit]
Some protozoa have life stages alternating between proliferative stages (e.g., trophozoites) and
dormant cysts. As cysts, protozoa can survive harsh conditions, such as exposure to extreme
temperatures or harmful chemicals, or long periods without access to nutrients, water, or oxygen
for a period of time. Being a cyst enables parasitic species to survive outside of a host, and allows
their transmission from one host to another. When protozoa are in the form
of trophozoites (Greek, tropho = to nourish), they actively feed. The conversion of a trophozoite
to cyst form is known as encystation, while the process of transforming back into a trophozoite is
known as excystation. Protozoa can reproduce bybinary fission or multiple fission. Some
protozoa reproduce sexually, some asexually, while some use a combination, (e.g., Coccidia). An
individual protozoan is hermaphroditic.

Key Features of Protozoa

is digested within a food vacuole.

Features of flagellates
-capturing organelles.

Features of amoeba
or food-capturing organelles.

Features of sporozoans
feature of these parasitic protozoa.
1.) BABESIA MICROTI

a. Babesia microti (and Babesia divergens) is transmitted to humans when an infected tick takes a blood meal. In
order for the parasite to be transmitted, the tick must be attached to the skin for 36 to 48 hours. Both immature and
mature ticks can transmit Babesia, but older ticks are more likely to be seen and removed and also are prevalent
during the fall, when people are less active compared to the summer season (10).

Babesiosis can also be contracted through blood transfusions, though the magnitude of the risk is debated in
scientific literature. While one study claims that the risk of acquiring Babesia is only .17%, another study has
suggested that In endemic areas transfusion-transmitted babesiosis is more prevalent than usually believed (2).
The research also concludes that since donated blood is often transported, the risk of contracting babesiosis even in
non-endemic area has become much higher.
b. Incubation period can last anywhere between 1-6 weeks.
(the life cycle of Babesia microti in a rodent (the white-footed mouse), tick (Ixodes dammini) and human. The cycle
begins when an infected tick sends sporozoites into a mouse while taking a blood meal . The sporozoites then go
into red blood cells, where they asexually reproduce by budding . The babesia then differentiate into male and
female gametes)
c. The tick, if not removed, will stay attached for three to four days, with longer periods of feeding associated

with a higher probability of acquiring the parasite. The parasite can survive in the tick as it molts through its
various developmental stages, resulting in all stages being potentially infectious.
d. Many people who are infected with Babesia microti feel fine and do not have any symptoms. Some people develop flu-like
symptoms, such as fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, or fatigue. Because Babesia parasites
infect red blood cells, babesiosis can cause hemolytic anemia (from the destruction of red blood cells).
Babesiosis can be a severe, life-threatening disease, particularly in people who:

do not have a spleen;

have a weak immune system for other reasons (such as cancer, lymphoma, or AIDS);
have other serious health conditions (such as liver or kidney disease); or
are elderly.

e. Avoiding exposure to tick habitats is the best defense. The most effective public health measure for Babesia is

avoidance of tick exposure. This can be performed through personal prevention strategies such as avoiding
tick-infested areas (especially during high tick season between May and September), remaining covered with
light clothing, searching for ticks after being outdoors, and removing discovered ticks from the skin.
Treatment: the standard treatment historically for symptomatic individuals was oral or intravenous
clindamycin with oral quinine

2.) BALATIDIUM COLI

a. Balantidium is the only ciliated protozoan known to infect humans. Balantidiasis is a zoonotic
disease and is acquired by humans via the feco-oral route from the normal host, the pig, where it
is asymptomatic. Contaminated water is the most common mechanism of transmission
b. INCUBATION PERIOD: Usually 4-5 days
c. Infection occurs when a host ingests a cyst, which usually happens during the consumption of
contaminated water or food.
d. Most people infected with Balantidium coli experience no symptoms. People who are immune-compromised are
e.
f.

the most likely to experience more severe signs and symptoms. These include persistent diarrhea, dysentery,
abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, perforation of the colon can occur.
Balantidium coli infection can be prevented when traveling by following good hygiene practices. Wash your
hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before handling food. Wash all fruits
and vegetables with clean water when preparing or eating them, even if they have a removable skin.
The three medications often used to treat Balantidium coli are tetracycline, metronidazole, and iodoquinol.

3.) Chagas disease / Trypanosoma

a.

b.

In Chagas-endemic areas, the main mode of transmission is through an insect vector called
atriatomine bug.[4] A triatomine becomes infected with T. cruzi by feeding on the blood of an infected
person or animal. During the day, triatomines hide in crevices in the walls and roofs. The bugs emerge
at night, when the inhabitants are sleeping. Because they tend to feed on people's faces, triatomine
bugs are also known as "kissing bugs". After they bite and ingest blood, they defecate on the perso
The incubation period of vector-borne acute Chagas disease is thought to be 7-14 days

c.

The human disease occurs in two stages: an acute stage, which occurs shortly after an initial infection,
and a chronic stage that develops over many years.The acute phase lasts for the first few weeks or
months of infection

d.

The most recognized marker of acute Chagas disease is called Romaa's sign, which includes swelling
of the eyelids on the side of the face near the bite wound or where the bug feces were deposited or
accidentally rubbed into the eye. Rarely, young children, or adults may die from the acute disease due
to severe inflammation/infection of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or brain
(meningoencephalitis).[8] The acute phase also can be severe in people with weakened immune
systems.

e.

In endemic areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America improved housing and spraying insecticide
inside housing to eliminate triatomine bugs has significantly decreased the spread of Chagas disease

prevention is generally focused on fighting the vector Triatoma by using sprays and paints
containing insecticides (synthetic pyrethroids), and improving housing and sanitary conditions in rural
areas
f.

Treatment for Chagas disease often depends on the phase of the disease and the age of the patient.
Acute-phase treatment centers on killing the T. cruzi parasites with antiparasitic drugs. The
prescription medications benznidazole (Rochagan, Ragonil) and nifurtimox (Lampit) may
eliminate or reduce the number of parasites in the body. pacemaker placement or even cardiac
transplantation can be lifesaving to some patients who develop arrhythmias or cardiomyopathy.
Surgical resection of the gastrointestinal tract may help alleviate some gastrointestinal problems

4.) Chilomastix mesnili

a. This parasite lives in the cecum and colon of humans, chimpanzees, orang-utans, monkeys &
pigs.Transmission occurs by ingestion of cysts. Fecal contamination of drinking water is a
major route of transmission
b. Incubation period: 1-75 days
c. Infective stage: Infection occurs by the ingestion of cysts in contaminated water, food, or
by the fecal-oral route (hands or fomites)

d. Usually considered to be non-pathogenic but may cause intestinal disorders like diarrhea in
heavy infected cases
e. Prevention & Control: Chlorization and filtration of drinking water; Improved hygiene, adequate
disposal of fecal waste, adequate washing of contaminated fruits and vegetables

f. Treatment: As this species is considered nonpathogenic, there are no treatment

recommendations for this organism.