Parasites research

takadote26

takadote26

Stephanie
Member
Long story short, I'm writing a two dialogue scene between parasite and host- but I dunno about biology, so I'm gonna have to ask here. (in the vein of Souls (from The Host novel by Stephenie Meyer), Yeerks and other similar fictional creatures). So, any parasites that are similar (exclude xenomorphs, fungi and tapeworms please)? I'm thinking of how the Shadowscythes from MechQuest have a similar attribute to parasites (with a 'virus vector') and I dunno how to elaborate more notably because the game was cancelled. Basically, I dunno if the best entry for said parasite is via the neck, Larosin has a black tattoo covering her neck? Any biologists here, perchance?

Feel free to discuss anything parasite or biology related while here

Host is called miss Larosin, parasite is called Shadowscythe (high ranking).
 
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takadote26 said:
Long story short, I'm writing a two dialogue scene between parasite and host- but I dunno about biology, so I'm gonna have to ask here. (in the vein of Souls, Yeerks and other similar fictional creatures). So, any parasites that are similar (exclude xenomorphs, fungi and tapeworms please)?
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I'm not sure what the question is... please restate.
 
Are you considering micro-organisms or larger animals?

What effect do you see the parasite having on the host?
 
If you are asking for insight into the biology of fictional creatures, your guess is as good as ours.
No one knows, aside from the creators of the lore of those creatures.

However, those creatures are typically based on real life things.
Like, a "soul"? Are we talking human soul? And is this soul the parasite? If so, human anatomy and biology would be your best bet.

But yeah, your post needs more detail and explanation, because, like Homer and Louanne, it is unclear what younare asking
 
Well, I will volunteer this - and hope it proves relevant for you -

One way to go about this is to have the events/steps of an infection correspond to plot points around which to build dialogue -

1. Infection - the parasite enters the host (Knock, knock...)
2. Incubation - parasite gets cozy inside (Great view...)
3. Reproduction - the parasite multiplies inside the host, causing symptoms like fever, fatigue (Gather 'round kids, Papa's got a story...)
4. Illness - the peak of the infection (Armies are lining up at the battle field)
5. Recovery - the host fights off the infection and pathogen is eliminated from the host body (immune system in larger animals)
 
Cymothoa exigua. It basically attaches itself to a fish's tongue, severs it, then acts as the fish's new tongue. Both it and the fish continue their lives as normal.

Leucochloridium paradoxum. Invades a snail's eyestalk, making it (the eyestalk) swell and throb, looking like a caterpillar or a grub, then forces the snail to climb high places, where the pulsing eyestalks attract birds. The snail is eaten, the parasite passes through the bird's digestive system and is carried elsewhere to reproduce.

Remoras. They are small fish that attach themselves to sharks and other big fish with a sucker organ, and spend of of their lives attached to one, feeding off the shark (its diet is believed to be either dead skin, other surface particulate matter, other parasites, or the bigger fish's shit, and the relationship is believed to be mutually beneficial). It is possible for the fish to detach itself and find a new host.
 
For the easiest and most accessible way to understand parasites - you can search "parasites merck vet manual". Enjoy the horror.
 
takadote26 said:
. Basically, I dunno if the best entry for said parasite is via the neck?
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It depends on where the parasite is inhabiting. Neck sounds good if you're thinking it chills in the bloodstream. Or if you want the bloodstream to take it somewhere.
 
I immediately thought it was a brain parasite, so my mind went to the usual orifices, ear, nose, eye, mouth -> sinus. But there are actually some things in the way! So it would be unpleasant if it was anything larger than microscopic invading one's brain directly.
 
Don't forget the eyeball thing from Alien Earth... just when you thought a chest burster was the worse thing from that universe to land in your body.

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Ah, that's because I don't really know much biology so my initial thought was that the parasite could reside in the neck area (where there are a bunch of nerves)? Any biologists here?
 
According to House, M.D., fetus' are considered parasites. It's not like the human mom + human fetus can communicate.

ALTHOUGH!!! There was an "Outer Limits" episode years ago where an older man transferred his conscious into his embryo and had it implanted in his girlfriend, and the man (in the fetus' form) and the girlfriend could sense each other's feelings.
 
CdnWriter said:
ALTHOUGH!!! There was an "Outer Limits" episode years ago where an older man transferred his conscious into his embryo and had it implanted in his girlfriend, and the man (in the fetus' form) and the girlfriend could sense each other's feelings.
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That's kind of messed up, which is what sci fi should be.
 
Well, since it will have to be kinda implied that the character is a Shadowscythe host, I just think that a cool black tattoo would make for a nifty visual that they're of the Shadowscythe alignment (since in-story it covers the neck wound made by the parasite, although I'm not sure if that's a good way irl parasites interact). I do visual arts and art classes sometimes as well, xD
 
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