Are Parasites Considered A Micro-Organism?

Answer 1

It depends entirely on their size...parasitic worms are usually large enough to see (often very large) but the parasite that causes Elephantitis is only visible under a microscope. But the general definition of a parasite is an organism that thrives by feeding off another - and in no way specifies a size, but merely the nature of the organism.

Answer 2

In general usage the meaning of the term “parasite” is rather vague. A parasite is defined as an organism which has a relatively close relationship with its host and lives at its expense. Although this definition would actually make most micro-organisms parasites, in medicine only protozoa (monocellular organisms), helminths (worms) and arthropods are classed as parasites (from the animal world). Helminths (worms) include: cestodes (tapeworms), nematodes (roundworms) and trematodes (flukes).
Fortunately not all parasites are harmful to man. But as knowledge about parasites and their effects increases, more and more parasites previously considered harmless are now recognised as posing a threat to health.

Answer 3

There are many microscopic parasitic species-organisms (and many macroscopic parasites)...... a parasitic protist includes malaria Plasmodium vivax, many different amebae, including several that cause travelers' diarrhea; an ameba named Naegleria is also one that can invade the brain; Trichomonas is also a parasitic protist STD-VD. Fungal infections are considered parasitic too: ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, yeast infections, monilia, thrush, etc. There are parasitic microscopic worms, like the filarial worms of elephantiasis. There are many more I could write. How many do you need? I took medical parasitology class and it was so fascinating and gross! I teach about parasites too.

Answer 4

only the single celled parasites, such as: amoebas, trichomonads, cryptosporidia, toxoplasmosis, etc, are micro-oranisms. the other parasites, which are multicellular, are not really micro-organisms, but their eggs (ova) can only be SEEN using a microscope. therefore, some are micro-organisms, and some are not. tapeworms, nematodes, flukes, etc. can be seen using the naked eye, therefore, they are NOT micro-oranisms.

Answer 5

I don't think so.