About Parasites

Parasites are organisms that live off of other creatures, using them for food and as a place to lay their eggs and reproduce. Parasitic infections in humans can go relatively unnoticed, with our bodies eliminating the infection within a few weeks, or they can cause serious health problems by damaging the liver, brain or other vital organs.

Significance

• Some parasitic infections, like malaria, are more common and relatively easy to treat, while other infections, like alveolar echinococcosis (a tapeworm infection from wild coyotes), are extremely rare but can be deadly. It is important to diagnose and treat parasitic infections early to prevent irreparable damage to body organs.

Types

• Parasites can come from various sources, including polluted water--a significant source of infection. Giardia is a common parasite that is found in unclean water sources, including rivers and lakes contaminated with animal feces. Uncooked or undercooked meat, poultry and fish can be contaminated with eggs from parasites such as tapeworms. Mosquitoes and other insects can carry and transmit parasitic infections, including malaria. Parasites can also be passed through food prepared by an infected person who has not washed his hands after using the bathroom.

Prevention/Solution

• When traveling, especially to underdeveloped countries like those in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, avoid drinking well or tap water (or anything with ice)--a significant source of parasites. Eat only fruits or vegetables that you peel yourself. Avoid eating salads or any fruit or vegetables that have been washed in tap or well water. Make sure that any meat you eat is well cooked and kept away from uncooked meat. Avoid eating meat products from street vendors.

  Always use insect repellent when you are traveling to tropical countries or during seasons where mosquito and other insect numbers are high. Look for evidence of insects in your bed and hotel room--small points of blood on sheets or dead insects at the foot of the bed--when traveling.

  If you do experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, muscle aches, cough or weight loss, see your doctor and talk about the possibility that you may have a parasitic infection.

Warning

• If you have any chronic health condition, especially a compromised immune system due to HIV, parasitic infections can be extremely serious and even deadly since your body is unable to mount an effective defense to kill the parasites on its own. Take extra precautions when traveling or when eating anything prepared by someone else. See your doctor at the first sign of symptoms that may indicate you have a parasite.

Misconceptions

• Be careful of products you may see in health-food stores that claim parasites are the root of all health problems. The notion that every one of us carries a plethora of them in our bodies is an exaggeration. Parasites do infect billions of people a year; however, the majority of infections occur in developing countries or in those who have traveled to these areas. Stay away from any products that claim they can cure your cancer, autoimmune disease or other health conditions by ridding your body of parasites.