Antiparasitic medications are drugs used to treat infections caused by parasites, which can include protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. These medications work by targeting specific biological pathways or structures within the parasite, thereby inhibiting their growth or killing them outright, while minimizing harm to the host.

Antiparasitic Medications

Drugs used to treat infections

Infections caused by parasites

Protozoa are a diverse group of single-celled eukaryotic organisms, often found in aquatic environments or as parasites in various hosts. They play crucial roles in ecological food webs and can cause significant diseases in humans and animals.

Protozoa

Helminths are parasitic worms that include species from the phyla Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, and Acanthocephala, and they can infect various hosts, including humans. These parasites can cause a range of diseases and are often transmitted through contaminated food, water, or soil, necessitating public health interventions and improved sanitation to control their spread.

Helminths

Ectoparasites are organisms that live on the surface of a host, deriving nutrients at the host's expense, and include species such as fleas, ticks, and lice. They can affect the health of their hosts by causing irritation, transmitting diseases, and leading to secondary infections.

Ectoparasites

Biological pathways are series of actions among molecules in a cell that lead to a certain product or change in the cell, playing a crucial role in maintaining cellular functions and homeostasis. Understanding these pathways allows researchers to identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention and to comprehend the complex interactions within biological systems.

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