Parasitologists study parasites and their effects on hosts, and work in various fields such as medicine, veterinary science, and agriculture. They research ways to fight parasites and prevent the spread of disease. A degree in biology or chemistry is usually required, with a master’s or doctoral degree for senior research positions.
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 the way in which parasites move from host to host and the effects parasites have on those hosts. He or she also looks for ways to fight the parasites and stop 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.
Given the complex nature of the field, parasitologists work in many different capacities. For example, a medical parasitologist studies parasites found in humans. This includes common parasites such as lice, fleas and ticks, as well as more invasive organisms such as tapeworms, 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 such as yellow fever and encephalitis.
A medical parasitologist tries to treat various conditions by conducting research in various fields. Epidemiology, immunology, chemotherapy and pathology are all areas of interest for the parasitologist. Through research, vaccines were developed against certain types of parasites, and the spread of many parasitic diseases was considerably reduced.
Parasitologists may also work in the veterinary field, studying parasites that attack animals. This includes farmed animals raised for food or work, as well as domesticated animals that are kept as pets. In addition, 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 heartworms 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. As some parasites can be transmitted from animal to human, veterinary parasitologists can also play an important role in public health issues.
Some parasitologists also work in the field of agriculture. They help farmers to protect crops and destructive parasites. An agricultural parasitolgoist may also research the possible use of parasites as a means of combating insects that would also attack crops.
For a career as a parasitologist, an undergraduate degree in biology or chemistry is usually required, although many parasitologists hold a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. A master’s or doctoral degree, however, is generally required for senior research positions in parasitology. If a career in medical parasitology is desired, a medical degree may also be required.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
