What is the different between ecto parasite and endo parasite?

Ectoparasites are parasites that live on the outside of their host's body, such as fleas, ticks, and lice. They typically feed on the blood or skin of the host.

Endoparasites, on the other hand, are parasites that live inside the host's body, such as tapeworms, roundworms, and protozoa. They can live in various organs or tissues of the host and can cause a range of health issues.

Ectoparasite vs. Endoparasite

Definition:

- Ectoparasite: A parasite that lives on the external surface of a host organism.
- Endoparasite: A parasite that lives inside the body of a host organism.

Characteristics:

1. Location:
- Ectoparasites: Outside the host's body, on the skin, hair, feathers, or gills.
- Endoparasites: Inside the host's body, in organs, tissues, or cells.

2. Attachment:
- Ectoparasites: Attach to the host's external surface using hooks, suckers, or adhesive pads.
- Endoparasites: Enter the host through openings like the mouth, nose, or skin, and then travel inside its body to establish themselves.

3. Feeding:
- Ectoparasites: Feed directly on the host's blood or tissues.
- Endoparasites: Absorb nutrients from the host's body fluids or tissues.

4. Host Range:
- Ectoparasites: Can have a wide host range, affecting various species.
- Endoparasites: Often have a narrow host range, specific to certain host species.

5. Transmission:
- Ectoparasites: Usually transmitted through direct contact with the host or its environment.
- Endoparasites: Can be transmitted through ingestion (e.g., parasite eggs in food or water), skin penetration (e.g., by insect bites), or from an intermediate host.

6. Impact on Host:
- Ectoparasites: Can cause irritation, itching, blood loss, and skin sores.
- Endoparasites: Can damage organs, tissues, and cells, causing malnutrition, disease, and even death in severe cases.

Examples:

Ectoparasites:
- Fleas
- Ticks
- Mites
- Lice

Endoparasites:
- Tapeworms
- Flukes
- Roundworms
- Malaria parasites