A Review of Host-Parasite Relationships
N. Ukibe Solomon *
Department of Prosthesis and Orthopaedic Technology, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
I. Mbanugo James
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
N. Obi-Okaro Alphonsus
Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria
R. Ukibe Nkiruka
Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Host parasite relationships result from prolonged associations between organisms living in a given environment. The nature and extent of the association will determine the type of relationship existing between the co-habiting organisms. Host-parasite associations usually give rise to four main relationships namely parasitism, mutualism, commensalism and phoresis.Host
Keywords: Host, parasite, relationship, associations