Parasitology

The Parasitology deals with the living and environmental conditions of parasites and their hosts. An important application of Parasitology is to develop efficient measures for combating parasites.

Parasitologists use the findings from various disciplines such as ecology, behavioral biology and molecular biology. Because many parasites cause disease in humans and animals, parasitology is closely related to medicine. Founder of Parasitology, Rudolf Leuckart. The German -language scientific society is the German Society for Parasitology ( DGP).

Biology

Molecular Parasitology explores the interactions between parasites and their hosts at the molecular level. Many creatures are completely or partially parasitic in their development, and also in evolutionary biology play a role parasitic processes ( endosymbiont theory ). "At least one-fifth of all known species of organisms living obligate as a" guest partner " in body contact Socialization. "

Medicine

Medical Parasitology deals with prevention, diagnosis and treatment of parasitic diseases. In addition to ectoparasites such as fleas, lice and mites and shall include worm infections and protozoal infections. The study of parasitic bacteria and viruses falls in medicine for traditional reasons still in the field of infectious diseases with the sub-regions bacteriology and virology.

Parasitology in developing countries

Parasitic diseases such as malaria and worm infections play in developing countries - as opposed to industrial countries - a devastating role. Alone, malaria and schistosomiasis, each year hundreds of millions of people worldwide. As a contribution to development cooperation explore Parasitologen the living conditions of these organisms derive from this effective and cost- control measures.

Practical application examples of this research is the construction of suitable accommodation, which are not inviting for malaria mosquitoes (such as a fireplace in the house - the smoke distributes the mosquitoes ), effective use of pesticides and / or training of village members.