What it means
In medicine, parasites include protozoa (one-celled organisms such as those causing malaria and trichomoniasistrik-uh-moh-NY-uh-sisA common sexually transmitted infection caused by a one-celled parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis.Trichomonas (the parasite's name) -iasis condition, infectionFull entry ), worms such as pinworms and tapeworms, and ectoparasites that live on the skin, such as lice and scabies mites. They spread through contaminated food or water, insect bites, soil, sexual contact or close contact.
For the nurse
Use contact precautions for lice and scabies. Teach hand washing, especially after toileting and before eating, and safe food and water practices when traveling.
At a glance
| Spanish | parásito |
|---|---|
| Also written | parasites, parasitic |
Related terms
bacterium
A tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.
fungus
A living thing, such as a yeast or mold, that gets food from other matter; some kinds cause infections. The plural is fungi.
virus
A tiny germ, much smaller than a bacterium, that can only multiply inside the living cells of another organism.
trichomoniasis
A common sexually transmitted infection caused by a one-celled parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis.