What is Parasitology ?

Parasitology is the study of parasitism and due to the nature of parasitism it can not be well defined.

Parasitology can be divided in :

The study of the parasite itself. It is important to know how the parasite functions in order to be able to combat it. This comprises all disciplines of biology and beyond.
Host-Parasite relationships
This comprises all disciplines that deal with the host-parasite interface and the way the two organisms interact with each other. The most important disciplines are:
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Cell biology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Immunology of parasitic infections. This deals with the discription of the immunological response by the host and the way the parasite tries to evade the host's immune attack.
This comprises such disciplines as:
- Humural and cellular immunology
- Molecular immunology
Chemotherapy of parasitic infections. This deals with the study of the effect of drugs on the parasite and host and the treatment by drugs that would lead to the killing of the parasite and the recovery of the diseased host. The disciplines involved are:
- Organic chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistrry
- Medicine
Epidemiology tries to describe the ways the diseases spread amongst the population. In the case of parasitic infections not only the host, but also the parasite and the vector should be included. The disciplines are:
- Tropical hygiene
- Entomology
- Geography

Last updated: 29 September 2000.