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Information on Human Parasites

Parasites are small organisms that manage to gain access to a host, and survive off the host. At times, we may never know we are infected in the beginning of a parasitic infection until much later when symptoms start to manifest, such as diarrhea and digestive problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main classes of parasites that are known to cause disease amongst humans. They are the protozoa, helminths and ectoparasites.

  1. Protozoa

    • Protozoa are one-celled organisms that are microscopic. They can either live in nature without a host, or be parasitic. If a protozoa manages to gain entry to a host, the protozoa can then rapidly multiply. Protozoa can spread by fecal-oral route. This means that if someone were to mishandle food without washing their hands after using the restroom, and you eat the food, you can become contaminated. Protozoa can also spread through water, mosquito bite, and by person-to-person contact.

    Examples of Protozoa

    • There are four main groups of protozoa that can cause disease to humans. They are sarcodina, mastigophora, ciliophora, and sporozoa. Sarcodina are amoebas. Mastigophora are flagellates. Ciliphora are ciliates, and sporozoa are organisms that are unable to move as adults. Some amoebas are solitary, while others are parasitic. Flagellates are cells that have what appears to be a whip at the end of the organism. Ciliphora can be carnivorous, and consist of what are known as ciliates, are tiny hairs.

    Helminths

    • Once a helminth has grown into adult form, it can actually be seen if it emerges from its host. They are multicellular organisms, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, if a person becomes infected by a helminth, once inside, a helminth cannot multiply. Helminths can either be solitary or parasitic. Once they grow into an adult, they can grow to be more than 30 cm in length.

    Examples of Helminths

    • The three main groups of helminths are platyhelminths, acanthocephalins and nematodes. Platyhelminths are flatworms such as tapeworms, which can grow within the intestines. Acanthocephalins are thorny-headed worms, whereby the adults will live inside the intestines. Nematodes are roundworms. Roundworms are a common infection in humans, especially in children. Roundworms can cause damage to the intestinal track, blood, tissues and lymphatic system.

    Ectoparasites

    • Ectoparasites refer to arthropods that suck blood. Ectoparasites include mosquitoes due to the fact that they require blood from humans for survival. Other arthropods include ticks, fleas, lice and mites, which burrow into the skin of their hosts, and can remain there for months. Ectoparasites are dangerous in nature since they are vectors (carrier) and transmitters of diseases.

    Symptoms of Parasitc Infection

    • Symptoms of a parasitic infection can have a broad range. You may experience diarrhea, gas/bloating and irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome can be marked by the sudden urgent need to have a bowel movement, and can be accompanied with severe abdominal cramping. Other symptoms can include muscle and joint pain, skin conditions such as eczema, irritability, fatigue, lack of concentration and sleep disturbances.

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