Parasites may be present in food or in water and can be identified as causes of foodborne or waterborne illness in the United States. They range in size, from tiny single-celled organisms to worms visible to the naked eye. Their lifecycle may also vary.
Parasites live in other host organisms and depend on them for survival. Parasites that can affect humans include ticks, lice, and hookworms. Without a host, a parasite cannot live, grow, and multiply. For this reason, a parasite rarely kills its host, but it can spread diseases, some of which may be fatal.
Examples of parasitic infections
The most common ones found in North America include Giardia infections (through contaminated water) and toxoplasmosis (spread by cats). Others include: E. vermicularis, or pinworm.
Intestinal Parasitic Infections are the most prevalent diseases in the world, predominantly in developing countries. It is estimated that more than two billion people are affected globally, mostly in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world.
These parasites feed on the nutrients that are meant for us thereby increasing the chances of nutrient deficiencies. At times these parasites can even pose a greater threat to our bodies because many of them carry diseases. It is estimated that around 80% of both adults and children have parasites in their gut.
Globally, due to intestinal parasitic infections, some 3.5 billion people are affected; 450 million are symptomatic, and yearly more than 200,000 deaths are reported [2].
Roundworms (nematodes) – the adult forms of these worms can reside in the gastrointestinal tract, blood, lymphatic system or subcutaneous tissues. Alternatively, the immature (larval) states can cause disease through their infection of various body tissues.
Parasites can live in the intestines for years without causing symptoms. When they do, symptoms include the following: Abdominal pain. Diarrhea.
Unexplained digestive problems, itchiness, anemia, muscular and joint pain, and inability to feel satisfied after even a hearty meal are some of the commonly experienced signs you may have a parasite. Call your doctor if your unusual signs indicate the presence of a parasite.
The most common worm in Australian children is the threadworm, Enterobius vermicularis, sometimes called the pinworm. Infection with other worms such as roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms is less common. Threadworms are small, white, thread-like worms 2 to 13 mm long.
Parasites could be using glucose (or other things present in the host blood after eating) as a food source: When hosts eat, parasites eat.
In some cases, parasites clear up on their own, especially in a person with a healthy immune system. If the parasite causes concerning symptoms or may cause complications, doctors will likely order an antiparasitic medication that kills the parasite. Some people choose natural methods to clear their body of a parasite.
Parasites can live in the intestines for years without causing symptoms. When they do, symptoms include the following: Digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, or gas. Skin disorders like eczema, hives, or unexplained chronic itching.
Often they can go unnoticed, with few symptoms. But many times these infections cause serious illnesses, including seizures, blindness, heart failure, and even death.
For example, (i) parasites can hide away from the immune system by invading immune-privileged tissue such as the central nervous system or the eye (Bhopale 2003). Also some parasitoids place their eggs inside tissue such as the fat body that is not well patrolled by the host's immune system.
The signs of a parasite are often caused by the toxins that it releases into the human bloodstream. Here are the most common symptoms: Unexplained constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea or other symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. You traveled internationally and got diarrhea on your trip.
Parasitic infections are diseases caused by organisms that live off of another living thing. They can cause fever, fatigue, intestinal symptoms, skin rashes or neurological symptoms. You can get them from contaminated food, water or surfaces, bug bites and eating undercooked meat.
Nonpathogenic intestinal protozoa are single-celled parasites commonly found in the intestinal tract but never associated with illness. They do not harm the body, even in people with weak immune systems.
In general, your doctor will prescribe medication to treat your infection. Other treatments can help reduce symptoms, like drinking plenty of water to reduce the risk of becoming dehydrated when your infections causes diarrhea.
T. gondii is one of the most common parasites in developed countries; serological studies estimate that up to 50% of the global population has been exposed to, and may be chronically infected with, T. gondii; although infection rates differ significantly from country to country.
Use an anthelmintic medication (aka a medicine used to destroy worms). Some anthelmintic medicines, like mebendazole, thiabendazole, and albendazole, starve and kill the worms. Other medicines, like ivermectin and praziquantel, paralyze the worms so they pass in your stool.