What initiates infection when the parasite moves from the mosquito stage to the liver stage?

Study for the Introduction to Parasitology Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam thoroughly!

Multiple Choice

What initiates infection when the parasite moves from the mosquito stage to the liver stage?

Explanation:
Sporozoites are the infectious form that initiates the liver infection. When an Anopheles mosquito bites, it injects sporozoites into the human bloodstream. These sporozoites travel to the liver and invade hepatocytes to begin the liver (pre-erythrocytic) stage. From there, liver schizonts release merozoites into the bloodstream to invade red blood cells, continuing the cycle. Merozoites are the blood-stage forms, trophozoites are the feeding stage inside red blood cells, and hypnozoites are dormant liver-stage forms in some species that can reactivate later.

Sporozoites are the infectious form that initiates the liver infection. When an Anopheles mosquito bites, it injects sporozoites into the human bloodstream. These sporozoites travel to the liver and invade hepatocytes to begin the liver (pre-erythrocytic) stage. From there, liver schizonts release merozoites into the bloodstream to invade red blood cells, continuing the cycle. Merozoites are the blood-stage forms, trophozoites are the feeding stage inside red blood cells, and hypnozoites are dormant liver-stage forms in some species that can reactivate later.

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