In this article we will discuss about the classification of parasites.
i. Ectoparasite:
They are the ones who live on the surface of the body of the host.
Example:
Head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis), blood sucking fleas, flies, lice, mites etc.
ii. Endoparasite:
They are the ones who live in the interior of the body of the host in the blood, tissues, body cavities, digestive tract and other organs.
Example:
Entamoeba, Trypanosoma, Plasmodium, Leishmania, Fasciola etc.
iii. Permanent parasite:
Leads a parasitic condition throughout the whole period of its life. Head louse cannot live away from the body of the host.
iv. Temporary parasite:
Visit its host for a short period.
v. Facultative parasite:
Lives a parasitic life when opportunity arises i.e., organisms which can live either a parasitic or non-parasitic existence. Example: Larvae of a saprophagous fly (Sarcophaga macroauriculata) are on record to have caused digestive disorder in man and also in a leopard after an apparent accidental ingestion along with meat.
vi. Obligatory parasite:
Cannot exist without a parasitic life i.e., they are obliged to live a parasitic existence and are incapable of surviving outside the host’s environment.
Example:
The head-louse have no alternative but to remain on the host.
vii. Occasional parasite:
Attacks an unusual host.
Example:
Mosquito behaves as a parasite only temporarily and moves away after taking a full blood meal.
viii. Aberrant or Wandering parasite:
Happens to reach a place where it cannot live.