Malaria is caused mainly by the plasmodium parasite. The parasite can be spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
African sleeping sickness is caused by infection with protozoan parasites belonging to the genus TRYPANOSOMA. They are transmitted to humans by tsetse fly.
Amoebic dysentery is caused by the amoeba known as Entamoeba histolytica. This single-celled parasite is commonly found in tropical areas. Once inside the body, amoeba clump together to form a cyst that is protected by the stomach’s digestive acid. When the cyst passes through the intestines it breaks open infecting the body. The amoebae burrow into the intestinal wall and cause small ulcers or abscesses. Cysts exit the body via faeces but are still able to live outside, which is how many people become infected.
