40. Parasitology

Parasitology is an area of ​​Biology that studies parasites, beings that live inside or on the surface of others, the hosts, causing damage to them. This science is extremely important for the Enem test, as it is responsible for addressing diseases that are public health problems in Brazil and in the world, such as malaria, dengue, schistosomiasis, among others.

Parasites can be classified according to their habitat in the host. Ectoparasites live on the surface of the host, as is the case with lice and ticks. Endoparasites, on the other hand, live inside the host, such as intestinal worms and malaria.

The parasite relationship is characterized by the dependence of the parasite on the host. The parasite obtains nutrients and shelter from the host, causing harm, which can range from simple irritation to death. It is important to note that, most of the time, the parasite has no interest in killing the host, as this would result in its own death.

Parasitic diseases can be transmitted in several ways, such as by ingesting contaminated food or water, by direct contact with the parasite or even through vectors, which are organisms that transmit the parasite from one host to another. Examples of vectors are mosquitoes, which transmit dengue and malaria, and kissing bugs, which transmit Chagas disease.

Malaria is a disease caused by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted by the bite of the Anopheles mosquito. Malaria symptoms include high fever, chills, heavy sweating, headache and vomiting. If left untreated, malaria can lead to death.

Dengue is a disease caused by a virus, transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue symptoms include high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting. In more severe cases, dengue can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.

Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by the parasite Schistosoma mansoni, transmitted by contaminated water. Symptoms of schistosomiasis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool and, in more severe cases, it can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and death.

To prevent parasitic diseases, it is important to adopt personal and collective hygiene measures, such as washing hands before eating and after using the bathroom, drinking treated water, avoiding contact with contaminated water, using repellents and avoiding places with high incidence of vectors.

In addition, it is important that the population has access to health information and education, so that they can protect themselves and seek treatment when necessary. The control of parasitic diseases also depends on effective public policies that guarantee access to health, education and decent living conditions for the entire population.

Finally, Parasitology is an area of ​​Biology of great relevance for the Enem test, as it allows the student to understand parasitic relationships and their implications for human health and society. In addition, the study of Parasitology contributes to the formation of citizens who are aware and committed to health promotion and disease prevention.

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