protozoa.pdf Malaria: Malaria is caused by the genus Plasmodium. In humans, it is brought about by four different species of the organism:

protozoa Micro
Malaria: Malaria is caused by the genus Plasmodium. In humans, it is brought about by four different species of the organism:

1. GROUP 4
PROTOZOA

2. Protozoa are single celled organisms. They come in
many different shapes and sizes ranging from an
Amoeba which can change its shape to Paramecium
with its fixed shape and complex structure. They live in
a wide variety of moist habitats including fresh water,
marine environments and the soil.
PROTOZOA

3. Some are parasitic, which means they live in other plants and animals including
humans, where they cause disease. Plasmodium, for example, causes malaria.
They are motile and can move by:
Cilia - tiny hair like structures that cover the outside of the microbe. They
beat in a regular continuous pattern like flexible oars.
Flagella - long thread-like structures that extend from the cell surface. The
flagella move in a whip-like motion that produces waves that propel the
microbe around.
Amoeboid movement - the organism moves by sending out pseudopodia,
temporary protrusions that fill with cytoplasm that flows from the body of
the cell.

4. Protozoa, a diverse group of single-celled
microorganisms, play a crucial role in
various ecosystems. These tiny organisms
are found in almost every habitat, from the
depths of the ocean to the soil in our
backyard. Despite their small size, protozoa
are essential in maintaining the balance
and functioning of their respective
ecosystems. In this article, we will explore
the importance of protozoa in various
ecosystems.

5. 1. Soil Ecosystems Protozoa are abundant in soil ecosystems, where they play
a crucial role in nutrient cycling. They feed on bacteria, fungi, and other
organic matter, breaking them down into smaller particles that can be easily
absorbed by plants. This process of decomposition and nutrient cycling is
essential for the growth and development of plants. Moreover, protozoa also
help in the control of plant pathogens by feeding on them, thus contributing
to the overall health of the soil.
2. Aquatic Ecosystems Protozoa are found in large numbers in aquatic
ecosystems, including lakes, rivers, and oceans. They are an important part of
the food web, as they feed on bacteria and algae, and in turn, are a food
source for larger organisms such as fish and crustaceans. This makes them a
crucial link in the transfer of energy from primary producers to higher trophic
levels. Moreover, protozoa also help in maintaining water quality by
consuming excess nutrients and pollutants, thus preventing algal blooms and
eutrophication.

6. 3. Marine Ecosystems Marine ecosystems are home to a vast variety of
protozoa, including planktonic and benthic species. These organisms are an
essential part of the marine food chain, providing food for larger organisms
such as fish, whales, and sea birds. Some protozoa also play a crucial role in
the ocean's carbon cycle by consuming organic matter and releasing carbon
dioxide back into the water, thus regulating the levels of this greenhouse gas
in the atmosphere.
4. Forest Ecosystems Protozoa are found in the soil and leaf litter of forest
ecosystems, where they contribute to nutrient cycling and decomposition.
They also play a crucial role in the symbiotic relationships between plants and
fungi, known as mycorrhizae. These relationships help plants absorb essential
nutrients and water from the soil, thus promoting their growth and health.

7. 5. Human Gut Ecosystem The human gut is also considered an
ecosystem, and protozoa are an essential part of it. These organisms
help in the breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, and
maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome. Some protozoa also have
beneficial symbiotic relationships with humans, such as
Trichonympha, which lives in the gut of termites and helps them
digest wood fibers.
In addition to their ecological importance, protozoa also have
significant medical and industrial applications. Many protozoa are
used in the production of enzymes and antibiotics, and some are
potential sources of new drugs for various human diseases. They also
serve as model organisms for research in genetics, cell biology, and
evolution.

8. BENEFICIAL PROTOZOA
Food
- Protozoa provide food for insect larvae and worms, which
are taken by fishes and crabs and which are eated by man.\
Insect control
-Several protozoa control harmful insects by persisting
their bodies.
Helpful in Sanitation
- A large number of protozoa living in polluted water feed
upon organic matters and thus purify it.

9. Protozoa are eukaryotic
microorganisms. Although they
are often studied in zoology
courses, they are considered part
of the microbial world because
they are unicellular and
microscopic.
Protozoa are notable for their
ability to move independently, a
characteristic found in the
majority of species. They usually
lack the capability for
photosynthesis, although the
genus Euglena is renowned for
motility as well as photosynthesis
(and is therefore considered both
an alga and a protozoan).
Although most protozoa
reproduce by asexual methods,
sexual reproduction has been
observed in several species. Most
protozoal species are aerobic,
but some anaerobic species have
been found in the human
intestine and animal rumen.
Protozoa are located in most moist
habitats. Free-living species inhabit
freshwater and marine environments,
and terrestrial species inhabit decaying
organic matter. Some species are
parasites of plants and animals.

10. Amoeboid: Amoebas are characterized by their blob-like shape, constantly changing as
they extend and retract their pseudopodia (false feet) for movement and feeding. They can
vary in size from just a few micrometers to several millimeters.
Sporozoan: Sporozoans are usually small, elongated, or spherical organisms
that lack obvious means of locomotion. They often parasitize other organisms
and have complex life cycles. Plasmodium, the parasite responsible for malaria,
is a well-known sporozoan..
Ciliate: Ciliates have a more defined shape, often oval or elongated, with hair-like
structures called cilia covering their surface. Paramecium is a well-known example,
typically ranging from 50 to 300 micrometers in length.
Flagellate: Flagellates possess one or more whip-like flagella for movement. They
can be spherical, elongated, or even amoeboid in shape. Trypanosomes, which
cause diseases like sleeping sickness, are examples of flagellates..

11. Heliozoan: Heliozoans have a spherical body with numerous radiating pseudopodia, giving
them a sun-like appearance. They are mostly found in freshwater environments.
Radiolarian: Radiolarians have intricate skeletons made of silica and extend their
pseudopodia through these porous structures. They come in various shapes, including
spherical, spiky, and intricate geometric forms. Some can be quite large for single-celled
organisms.
Foraminiferan: Foraminiferans have elaborate, multi-chambered shells called tests,
through which they extend pseudopodia. They can vary greatly in size, from less than
a millimeter to several centimeters.

12. Protozoa are found in the aquatic
environment. They live in freshwater
or oceans. Some are free-living and
some are parasitic in plants and
animals. Mostly they are aerobic but
some are anaerobic and present in the
rumen or human intestine.

13. The size and shape of Protozoa vary greatly, from
microbial (1µm) to large enough and can be seen by
the naked eye. The shell of unicellular foraminifera
can have a diameter of 20 cm.
They lack a rigid cell wall, so they are flexible and
found in various shapes. Cells are enclosed in a
thin plasma membrane. Some of the species have a
hard shell on the outer surface. In some of the
protozoans especially in ciliates, the cell is
supported by Pellicle, which may be flexible or
rigid and give organisms the definite shape and
help in locomotion.

14. EDITORIAL: RECENT TRENDS IN INFECTION BIOLOGY AND CONTROL OF PROTOZOAN
PARASITES PUBMED CENTRAL.COM SEP. 20, 2023 1. RAGAB M. FEREIG 2.
CHAROONLUK JIRAPATTHARASATE 3. AND CAROLINE F. FREY PROTOZOAN DISEASES
INCLUDING MALARIA AND TRYPANOSOMIASIS ARE AMONG THE MOST IMPORTANT
PARASITIC CAUSES OF MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY, BOTH IN IMMUNOCOMPETENT
AND IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PEOPLE. CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS, TOXOPLASMOSIS,
LEISHMANIOSIS, AND GIARDIASIS ARE ZOONOTIC PROTOZOAN DISEASES THAT HAVE
BEEN LINKED TO SEVERE OUTCOMES, ESPECIALLY IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED
INDIVIDUALS. UNDERSTANDING THE INFECTION BIOLOGY IN NATURALLY OR
EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED ANIMALS IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO CONTROL
AND PREVENT ZOONOTIC TRANSMISSION TO HUMANS. PROTOZOAN INFECTIONS
ALSO POSE SERIOUS RISKS TO PERSONAL, GOVERNMENTAL, AND INTERNATIONAL
ECONOMY. BESIDES THE DIRECT AND INDIRECT COSTS OF HUMAN INFECTIONS,
NUMEROUS PROTOZOAN INFECTIONS IN ANIMALS, SUCH AS COCCIDIOSIS AND
CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS IN CALVES, TOXOPLASMOSIS IN SHEEP AND PIGS, AND
NEOSPOROSIS IN PREGNANT HEIFERS, CAN RESULT IN SEVERE ECONOMIC LOSSES.

15. ENTERIC PROTOZOA IN THE DEVELOPED WORLD: A PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVE
JOURNAL.ASM.ORG JULY 1,2013 AUTHORS: STEPHANIE M. FLETCHER, DAMIEN STARK,
JOHN HARKNESS, JOHN ELLIS SUMMARY SEVERAL ENTERIC PROTOZOA CAUSE SEVERE
MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY IN BOTH HUMANS AND ANIMALS WORLDWIDE. IN
DEVELOPED SETTINGS, ENTERIC PROTOZOA ARE OFTEN IGNORED AS A CAUSE OF
DIARRHEAL ILLNESS DUE TO BETTER HYGIENE CONDITIONS, AND AS SUCH, VERY
LITTLE EFFORT IS USED TOWARD LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS. ALTHOUGH THESE
PROTOZOA CONTRIBUTE TO THE HIGH BURDEN OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES, ESTIMATES
OF THEIR TRUE PREVALENCE ARE SOMETIMES AFFECTED BY THE LACK OF SENSITIVE
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES TO DETECT THEM IN CLINICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
SPECIMENS. DESPITE RECENT ADVANCES IN THE EPIDEMIOLOGY, MOLECULAR
BIOLOGY, AND TREATMENT OF PROTOZOAN ILLNESSES, GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE STILL
EXIST, REQUIRING FURTHER RESEARCH. THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT CLIMATE-RELATED
CHANGES WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR BURDEN DUE TO DISPLACEMENT OF
ECOSYSTEMS AND HUMAN AND ANIMAL POPULATIONS, INCREASES IN ATMOSPHERIC
TEMPERATURE, FLOODING AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS SUITABLE FOR
TRANSMISSION, AND THE NEED FOR THE REUSE OF ALTERNATIVE WATER SOURCES TO
MEET GROWING POPULATION NEEDS.

16. summary

23. Thank You!