A parasitologist is a scientist who researches parasites and their relationships with their hosts. While parasites can be found in any animal or plant, parasitology is most commonly associated with protozoan and metazoan parasites. A parasitologist also studies how parasites move from one host to the next, as well as the effects parasites have on their hosts. He or she is also on the lookout for ways to combat parasites and prevent disease transmission. Because of the nature of living organisms, parasitology and other scientific disciplines such as immunology, cell biology, microbiology, and molecular biology have some overlap.
Due to the complexities of the field, parasitologists serve in a variety of roles. A medical parasitologist, for example, studies parasites found in humans. Common parasites like lice, fleas, and ticks, as well as more invasive organisms like pinworms, which are usually found in the colon, and tapeworms, which are caused by eating undercooked beef, are among them. More serious parasitic infections are also a concern for medical parasitologists. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease to humans, and mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of not only malaria but also viral diseases like yellow fever and encephalitis.
A medical parasitologist conducts research in a variety of fields in order to treat a variety of diseases. Medical parasitologists are interested in epidemiology, immunology, chemotherapy, and pathology. Vaccines against specific parasites have been developed as a result of research, and the spread of many parasitic diseases has been significantly slowed.
Parasitologists may also work in veterinary medicine, researching parasitic infections in animals. Farm animals raised for food or work, as well as domesticated animals kept as pets, fall into this category. Furthermore, a veterinary parasitologist may investigate parasites found in wildlife.
Fleas, ticks, mites, mange, and various worms are common veterinary parasites. Heartworms, which can infect both dogs and cats, are probably the most well-known parasites among pet owners. Veterinary parasitologists are frequently employed by pharmaceutical companies, where they research parasite-eradication therapies and vaccines. Veterinary parasitologists can help with public health issues because some parasites can be passed from animal to human.
In addition to parasitology, some parasitologists work in agriculture. They assist farmers in protecting their crops and plants from parasitic infestations. An agricultural parasitologist may also investigate the use of parasites to combat insects that attack crops.
A bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry is usually required for a career as a parasitologist, though many parasitologists have a Bachelor of Science in microbiology. For senior research positions in parasitology, a master’s degree or PhD is usually required. A medical degree may be required if a career in medical parasitology is desired.