Protist Diseases

Protists are SINGLE-CELLED EUKARYOTES. Many protist diseases are spread to humans by an animal carrier called a VECTOR — the vector is not harmed by the pathogen but passes it on.

Malaria

• Pathogen: PROTIST

• How it spreads: Spread by MOSQUITOES, which act as VECTORS. When a mosquito bites an infected person it picks up the protist; when it bites another person it injects the protist into their blood.

• Symptoms: Recurring EPISODES OF FEVER, along with chills, fatigue and shaking. Malaria can be FATAL if not treated.

• Treatment: ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS (e.g. quinine derivatives).