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List of Parasites That Humans Can Get That Start With H

The human race has a long and often creepy history with parasitic infections. Parasites come in many forms, from worms to insects. The World Health Organization estimates that 2 billion people worldwide are infected with parasitic worms alone. Modern medicine has been important in the treatment of parasitic infections and in improving the lives of patients, especially in tropical areas.

  1. Heterophyes Heterophyes

    • A small fluke, or flatworm, this parasite infects people through undercooked freshwater fish. Found in Egypt, the Middle East and Far East, Heterophyes heterophyes attaches to the small intestine causing abdominal pain and diarrhea. Rarely the parasite can migrate to other organs such as the heart and brain. The presence of the parasite is diagnosed by microscopic examination of the feces and treated with anthelmintic medications.

    Hymenolepis Nana

    • Hymenolepis nana is a dwarf tapeworm measuring 0.5 to 1.5 inches. This parasite infects the human host through food or water contaminated with rat feces. Found worldwide, it often causes no symptoms. However, serious infections can cause weakness, poor appetite, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The presence of the parasite is diagnosed by microscopic examination of the patient's stool and the infection is treated with anthelmintic medication.

    Hookworm

    • Hookworms can live for several weeks in soil that was contaminated with infected human, cat or dog feces. Hookworms are found worldwide but mainly in warm, humid climates. Some hookworm species only infect the skin while others migrate to the intestinal tract. The most common symptom is anemia if the parasite is in the intestine or localized itching and redness if the parasite is in the skin. Hookworm infections are diagnosed through microscopic examination of stool or skin samples and treated with the medication albendazole.

    Head Lice

    • A common problem in elementary schools, the head louse is a parasitic insect found worldwide. Found only on humans, head lice are transmitted through infected belongings or direct head-to-head contact. Lice need to feed on blood several times a day and will die within two days off the human body. The most common symptom is an itchy scalp. Head lice infections are diagnosed by examining the scalp for the presence of eggs or adult lice. Treatments for the parasite are available over the counter or by prescription.

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