Sample interview questions: How do you assess the impact of parasites on the nutritional status and growth of host organisms?
Sample answer:
Assessing the Impact of Parasites
Nutritional Status:
- Anthropometric measurements: Height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference can indicate malnutrition.
- Biochemical assays: Analyses of blood, urine, or feces can detect deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin A.
- Parasite burden estimation: Quantifying the number or density of parasites in the host can provide insights into the severity of infection and its impact on nutrient absorption.
Growth:
- Growth monitoring: Regular measurements of height or weight can track growth patterns and detect deviations from expected norms.
- Comparison to non-infected individuals: Comparing growth parameters of infected individuals to healthy controls can help establish the attributable impact of parasites.
- Longitudinal studies: Following individuals over time can reveal the cumulative effects of parasite infections on growth trajectories.
Additional Considerations:
- Age and i… Read full answer