Ectoparazii

Ectoparazii are parasites that live on the exterior surfaces of their hosts, obtaining nutrients from the skin, blood, or tissue without penetrating the body. They can affect a wide range of hosts, including humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.

Common ectoparasites include fleas, lice, ticks, and mites, as well as bed bugs. Many are hematophagous, feeding on blood, but some feed on skin cells or other secretions. Some species are highly host-specific, while others infest multiple host species.

Life cycles vary: many spend part of their life on the host, laying eggs that fall into the surrounding environment; others complete most of their life on the host. Reproduction and development are often synchronized with the host's movement and seasonality.

Impact on hosts ranges from mild irritation and dermatitis to significant blood loss and anemia in heavy infestations. Ectoparasites can also transmit pathogens, acting as vectors for bacterial, viral, or protozoan diseases.

Diagnosis relies on visual examination, skin scrapings, hair or feather inspections, and sometimes laboratory identification of eggs or larvae. Treatment commonly involves antiparasitic medications applied to the host and, in many cases, environmental cleaning.

Prevention focuses on regular grooming or bathing, environmental hygiene, and controlling vector populations through appropriate acaricides, insecticides, or repellents, as advised by veterinarians or physicians. Managing wildlife interactions can reduce spillover between wild and domestic hosts.