Antiparasitics
Antiparasitics
Antiparasitics (pronunciation: an-ti-par-uh-sit-iks) are a class of medications which are primarily used to treat parasitic infections.
Etymology
The term "Antiparasitics" is derived from the Greek words "anti" meaning against, and "parasitos" meaning one who eats at the table of another, referring to the nature of parasites.
Definition
Antiparasitics are drugs or substances that kill parasites or inhibit their growth or reproduction. They are used in the treatment of various parasitic diseases, such as malaria, leishmaniasis, and schistosomiasis.
Types of Antiparasitics
There are several types of antiparasitics, including:
- Anthelmintics: These are used to treat infections caused by helminths, such as roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes.
- Antiprotozoals: These are used to treat infections caused by protozoa, such as malaria and amoebiasis.
- Ectoparasiticides: These are used to treat infections caused by ectoparasites, such as lice and mites.
Mechanism of Action
Antiparasitics work by exploiting differences between the biochemistry of parasites and their hosts. They may interfere with the parasites' metabolism, disrupt their protective surface, or inhibit their ability to reproduce.
Related Terms
- Parasite: An organism that lives in or on an organism of another species (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.
- Parasitic disease: A disease caused by parasites.
- Parasitology: The study of parasites and parasitic diseases.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antiparasitics
- Wikipedia's article - Antiparasitics
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