What are parasites? Types, transmission, and health impacts

They have the ability to infect not only animals and humans, but also some plants.

In this article, we'll discuss human parasites, their transmission, and their health effects. In case of a parasitic infection, it is necessary to see a doctor to receive the appropriate treatment and take care of your health.

Types of parasites

Parasites are complex organisms that require a specific environment to survive and reproduce. For this, they require a host from which they will take the nutrients and elements necessary to continue their life cycle.

They typically fall into one of three main categories:

Protozoa

Protozoa are unicellular microorganisms that can be free-living or parasitic. Parasites live inside the host and reproduce rapidly, causing severe diseases and infections that require prompt treatment. Humid environments, primarily freshwater and saltwater sources, harbor them.

Diseases that cause

If protozoan parasites infiltrate the body in large quantities or if the immune system is compromised, they can lead to various diseases, including:

• Amebiasis. It is a common disease when drinking or cooking with contaminated water. Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan, primarily attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

• Malaria. A very serious disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is mainly transmitted by mosquito bites. If not treated in time, it can become fatal. The first symptoms of the infection are fever, headache, and vomiting, among others.

• Giardiasis. Infection caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia, which is found in contaminated water and food. It is the most common cause of diarrhea, and if not treated promptly, it can become chronic.

• Trichomoniasis. It is an STI that is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. It is a curable disease, but if left untreated, it can cause symptoms that may be severe, such as foul odor, genital itching, and painful urination.

• Toxoplasmosis. It is a very serious infectious disease if not treated. It is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which is found in raw meat and contaminated water, if one comes into contact with infected cats. It has a multi-organ impact, primarily affecting the brain, eyes, lungs, and heart.

Helminths

They are multicellular parasites, and although their eggs and larvae can be micro-organic, they are larger in size. They reside in different organs of the human body, and it is difficult for the organism to eliminate them.

Diseases that cause

There is a wide variety of helminths that can infect humans and are mainly transmitted through contaminated water and food. The diseases they cause can be divided into two groups:

Intestinal disorders

Geohelminthiasis

It is one of the most common infections worldwide. It is popularly known as intestinal worms, and it is estimated that 1 in 4 people in the world suffers or has suffered from it, especially in areas where the water is contaminated and hygiene levels are low. It mainly affects children, hindering the growth process, as the parasites feed on the nutrients from the food.

Ascariasis

Intestinal infection caused by the parasite Ascaris lumbricoides. You can get infected by consuming or drinking food contaminated with the eggs. They usually reside in the walls of the intestine, where they grow and mature. Adult larvae can grow up to 1 ft long and reproduce inside the body.

This infection causes stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, malnutrition, and weight loss. In cases where the infection has progressed significantly, worms can be expelled in vomit or with feces.

Brain disorders

Meningitis

Bacteria, viruses, tumors, or, in rarer cases, parasites, can cause this inflammation of the membranes covering the brain. Parasitic meningitis has symptoms similar to viral and bacterial meningitis: sudden high fever, intense headache, stiff neck, nausea or vomiting, difficulty concentrating, seizures, among others. Infected poultry or fish products, if not properly cooked, are the main source of transmission.

Encephalitis

It is rare, but it can have serious consequences. It is an inflammation of the brain caused by parasites, most commonly Toxoplasma. It causes headaches, fever, nausea, stiffness in the scalp, and, in its more advanced state, seizures and problems with speech, vision, and hearing.

Stroke

There are several parasitic infections that can cause a stroke; the most common is neurocysticercosis, caused by Taenia solium. The eggs of this parasite enter the system through food, mainly undercooked pork, and they are so small that they can move from the intestines into the bloodstream. If they are not eliminated by the immune system, the larvae grow and feed in the veins or arteries and, when they are large enough, block the blood flow. When they lodge in the brain, they cause strokes that can lead to seizures, neurological deficits, obstructive hydrocephalus, meningitis, and other symptoms.

Myelopathies

Parasitic myelopathies are rare, although they have severe consequences and are difficult to detect. They occur when the tapeworms of some parasites lodge in the veins of the spinal cord and cause inflammation and bleeding.

Ectoparasites

These are larger external parasites. They feed on blood and live on the skin. While they are more common in animals with abundant fur, such as dogs, cats, and rodents, among others, they can sometimes transfer to humans. The most common ones are lice, fleas, ticks, and mites. They do not directly cause diseases, but they are carriers of viruses and bacteria that cause serious ailments.

How are parasites transmitted?

Most parasites that affect humans are transmitted through food and beverages, contact with contaminated surfaces, or interaction with sick individuals. In rarer cases, insect bites and blood transfusions are the source of the infection.

Some of the recommendations for reducing parasitic infections are:

• Consume bottled water or water from clean and disinfected sources. If you are uncertain about the water's origin, boil it before consuming it.

• Wash and disinfect food before consuming it. Avoid consuming cold or raw meats, as they can become contaminated with parasites at any stage of their production.

• Wash knives, spoons, and any utensils used to handle food. Periodic disinfection reduces exposure to these parasites.

• Use repellents and protective clothing when living in or traveling to areas where exposure to insect bites, such as mosquitoes, increases.

• Perform regular pest control in the home, offices, and communal spaces. Pets, frequently exposed to pests in gardens and open spaces, can also harbor parasites.

• Deworm your pets regularly. They are more vulnerable to parasites without showing symptoms, so you should schedule regular deworming.

Contact our Mitogenesis medical expert in Scottsdale, AZ

Parasites can pose a significant threat to human health if appropriate measures are not taken to prevent their transmission. Education about their transmission and health effects is essential to reduce the incidence of parasitic infections and promote hygiene habits that protect the population. To avoid spreading these organisms and reduce their risks, it is important to see a doctor if you have any symptoms that don't seem right and to follow preventative measures.

At Mitogenesis Regenerative Medicine, we can find a comprehensive strategy that can transform your life, alleviate inflammatory processes, and detoxify the body to improve overall well-being and quality of life.

If you wish to contact Dr. Mel Schottenstein at Mitogenesis or learn more about the treatments we offer, please call us or fill out a contact form with your information!

Sources:

About Parasites (https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/about/index.html)

Parasites (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24911-parasites)

What to know about parasite infection in humans (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/220302)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites (https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/index.html)

Parasitic disease (https://www.britannica.com/science/parasitic-disease)

Reviewed by:

Dr. Mel Schottenstein

Naturopathic Doctor

NMD, MBE, MScN, FICT, FSCT

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of your physician or other health care professional. Do not use the information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem.

‍