Parasites can cause a wide range of diseases in humans, including malaria, Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, giardiasis, and toxoplasmosis. Malaria is caused by single-celled parasites called Plasmodium, which are spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted through contact with the feces of an infected insect, called the kissing bug. Schistosomiasis is an infection caused by parasites that live in contaminated freshwater and can be contracted through contact with the water.
Giardiasis is caused by a group of parasites called Giardia, which can be found in infected food and water, and is usually spread person-to-person. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can be spread through contact with contaminated cat feces.
Table of Contents
What are 10 diseases caused by parasites?
1. Malaria – Caused by protozoan parasites of the Plasmodium genus, which are transmitted to humans by female Anopheles mosquitoes.
2. Amebiasis – Caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a parasite found in contaminated food and water sources.
3. Giardiasis – Caused by Giardia lamblia, a parasite found in contaminated water sources.
4. Cryptosporidiosis – Caused by Cryptosporidium, a parasite found in contaminated water sources.
5. Hookworm Infection – Caused by two species of hookworms, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.
6. Toxoplasmosis – Caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which is found in raw or undercooked meat, soil, and cat feces.
7. Trichomoniasis – Caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which is typically transmitted through sexual contact.
8. Ascariasis – Caused by the nematode parasite Ascaris lumbricoides, which is typically transmitted through contaminated food and water sources.
9. Schistosomiasis – Caused by the parasitic worms found in fresh water sources, specifically in subtropical and tropical regions.
10. African Sleeping Sickness – Caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of an infected tsetse fly.
What is the most common parasitic disease?
The most common parasitic disease is Malaria, which is caused by a parasite that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Malaria is an infectious disease that affects over 3. 2 billion people in over 90 countries, making it one of or possibly the most common parasitic disease worldwide.
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites which enter the bloodstream through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of malaria can include fever, sweats, chills, vomiting, headaches and fatigue, and in severe cases can lead to coma, kidney failure, and even death.
It is particularly common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and treatments vary depending on the level of infection.
What are 5 neglected parasitic infections?
1. Echinococcosis or hydatid disease: This infection is caused by the larvae of the tapeworm Echinococcus. The larvae form cysts in the internal organs, including the lungs, liver, and brain. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, labored breathing, and swelling.
Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cysts.
2. Schistosomiasis: This parasitic infection is caused by a group of flatworms known as schistosomes. It is transmitted through contact with contaminated freshwater, and symptoms can range from mild skin irritation to fever and abdominal pain.
Treatment is available and consists of course of antibiotics.
3. Toxoplasmosis: This parasitic infection is caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii and is especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it can be transmitted to the fetus. Symptoms can range from mild respiratory and fever to seizures, encephalitis, and paralysis.
Treatment usually consists of antibiotics, but one can avoid getting infected by avoiding contact with feces from cats and other animals.
4. Cysticercosis: This parasitic infection is caused by the larval forms of the adult tapeworm Taenia solium. It is often acquired orally by consuming food or drinks contaminated with eggs or larvae.
Symptoms vary depending on the affected body part, but common ones include headaches, seizures, and visual disturbances. Treatment is focused on killing the worms and preventing potential complications.
5. Leishmaniasis: This infection is caused by the parasite Leishmania that is transmitted by sandflies. Symptoms can range from skin sores to fever, inflammation and liver/spleen enlargement. Treatment depends on the type of leishmaniasis and can include topical treatments, antimony drugs, and/or antibiotics.
What gets rid of parasites naturally?
Including herbal remedies and dietary changes. Herbs such as Wormwood, Black Walnut, Turmeric, Garlic, Pumpkin Seeds, and Apple Cider Vinegar all have antifungal and antiparasitic properties. Additionally, a diet featuring foods that are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids can help to eliminate parasites naturally.
This includes foods like wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, blueberries, beets, Brazil nuts, and flaxseeds. Furthermore, there are also natural methods of parasite removal, such as regular saline enemas, hot sitz baths, or castor oil packs.
Lastly, it is important to maintain good hygiene and sanitization habits to prevent the spread of parasites.
How do you know if you have a parasitic disease?
One way to know if you have a parasitic disease is to look for signs and symptoms common to those diseases. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of a parasitic infection can include:
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain/abdominal cramps
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Intestinal blockages
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Itching around the anus
• Vulvovaginitis
• Foul smelling stools
• Coughing or shortness of breath
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to speak with your healthcare professional as soon as possible. They will be able to conduct a physical exam and take a blood sample or a stool sample in order to determine if you are infected with a parasite.
A parasitic disease can be difficult to diagnose without testing, which is why it is important to seek medical attention promptly if you think you may have a parasitic infection.
How do I check myself for parasites?
Checking yourself for parasites can be done by observing any unusual signs or symptoms in your body. Generally, symptoms of a parasite infection can include: digestive issues such as bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea; unusual weight loss or gains; fatigue, anemia, and general general malaise; digestive discomfort; skin problems such as rashes, itching, sores, and bumps; and the presence of worms or eggs in the stool.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical advice to determine if you have parasites.
In addition to observing any symptoms you may have, you can also have your doctor check you for parasites by taking a blood or stool sample. A blood test can check for evidence of a parasite in the blood, and a stool sample can check for parasites and eggs in your feces.
Your doctor may also perform an ultrasound or X-ray to check for the presence of parasites.
If you have any reason to believe you have parasites or are at risk of being infected, it is important to contact your doctor for testing and appropriate treatment. Treating a parasite infection can be very difficult and is best done under the supervision of a qualified doctor.
How do you get rid of parasites in your body?
Getting rid of parasites in the body depends on the type of parasite. Some parasites, such as certain types of worms, can be treated with medication. Others, such as protozoa, may be treated with antimalarial drugs.
In certain cases, a doctor may need to manually remove the parasites, such as for eye or ear parasites. To prevent parasites completely, it is important to practice good hygiene, properly handle and cook food, and avoid contact with animals from countries where parasites are common.
Prevention is sometimes the best approach when it comes to parasites. However, if you already have an infection, it is important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the best treatment approach.
What does it feel like when you have a parasite?
Having a parasite can be an uncomfortable experience, with a range of symptoms that vary depending on the type of parasite one has. Some general symptoms that often come with a parasitic infection are digestive issues such as diarrhea, bloating, gas, indigestion and stomach cramps, as well as fatigue and general weakness.
Some people may also have skin problems such as rashes, itching and irritation. Depending on the type of parasite, one may also experience fever, chills, joint pain, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, headaches, and coughing.
In rare cases, a parasite can also lead to more serious problems such as anemia, malnutrition, or organ failure.
If you suspect that you may have a parasite, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor to avoid further health complications.
Can you test for parasites at home?
Unfortunately, testing for parasites at home is not possible as they require specialized tests and testing methods that can only be performed in a lab. Most parasites require a lab technician to take a sample of your stool, urine, or blood and look for telltale signs that an infection is present.
The sample is then tested for the presence of parasites and their eggs, which can indicate the presence of an infection, and determine the exact type of parasite that may have been present. If an infection is present, your doctor can determine the best treatment.
