Parasites can spread diseases between crops.
A parasitologist is a scientist who studies parasites and the relationship between parasites and their hosts. Although parasites can be found in any form of animal or plant life, parasitology is generally limited to the study of protozoan and metazoan parasites. A parasitologist also examines how parasites move from one host to another and the effects that parasites have on those hosts. He or she also looks for ways to fight parasites and prevent them from spreading disease. Due to the nature of living organisms, there is some overlap between the field of parasitology and other scientific disciplines such as immunology, cell biology, microbiology, and molecular biology.
Parasitologists can study deer ticks, which are known to infect humans with Lyme disease.
Given the complex nature of the field, parasitologists work in many different roles. For example, a medical parasitologist studies parasites found in humans. This includes common parasites like lice, fleas, and ticks, as well as more invasive organisms like tapeworms, which are usually found in the colon, and tapeworms, which result from eating undercooked meat. Medical parasitologists are also concerned about more serious parasitic infections. Ticks can infect humans with Lyme disease, and mosquitoes are not only responsible for spreading malaria, but also viral diseases like yellow fever and encephalitis.
Common veterinary parasites include fleas, ticks, and mites.
A medical parasitologist tries to treat various diseases by conducting research in various fields. Epidemiology, immunology, chemotherapy and pathology are areas of interest for the parasitologist. Through research, vaccines against certain types of parasites were developed and the spread of many parasitic diseases was greatly slowed.
Considered a major pest for pets such as dogs, fleas bite and suck blood from humans and animals.
Parasitologists can also work in the veterinary field, studying the parasites that attack animals. This includes farm animals that are raised for food or work, as well as domestic animals that are kept as pets. Additionally, a veterinary parasitologist can also study parasites found in wildlife.
Common veterinary parasites include fleas, ticks, mites, mange, and various worms. Heartworms are probably the most well-known parasites among pet owners as they can infect dogs and cats. Veterinary parasitologists are often employed by pharmaceutical companies where they research therapies and vaccines that can eradicate parasites in animals. Since some parasites can be transmitted from animals to humans, veterinary parasitologists may also play a role in public health issues.
A parasitic infection can cause skin changes, such as a rash.
Some parasitologists also work in the field of agriculture. They help farmers protect crops and plants from destructive parasites. An agricultural parasitologist may also investigate the possible use of parasites as a means of combating insects that would also attack crops.
For a career as a parasitologist, a bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry is usually required, although many parasitologists have a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. However, a master’s or doctoral degree is typically required for senior research positions in parasitology. If a career in medical parasitology is desired, a medical degree may also be required.