What Causes Parasites in the Body?

Parasites are organisms that feed upon their hosts. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, parasites are becoming consistently identified as a major cause of food-borne illnesses in the United States. Once a parasite has infected your body, it begins to thrive within your tissues and organs, rapidly reproducing, which can then result in severe medical issues. When left untreated, a parasitic infection can become debilitating and even lead to death.

Transmission

• Becoming infected with a parasite can be easy. One of the most common ways to become infected is by eating contaminated food or water. Undercooked meat is one way for parasites to transfer themselves into your body. Another passage of parasites is through the fecal-oral route. This means that if a person comes into contact with fecal matter, such as contaminated food when a food handler doesn't wash their hands, then you can become infected.

Giardia duodenalis

• When you become infected with Giardia duodenalis, the parasite will begin to make its home within your intestines. Giardia duodenalis is contracted through contaminated food or water which contains the infective stage of the organism. Another way you can get Giardia duodenalis is by putting items into your mouth that have come into contact with any infected stool of a person or animal. Symptoms of the parasite can include diarrhea, abdominal cramping and nausea. According to the USDA, a Giardia duodenalis infection can last up to six weeks, but some cases have lasted years.

Trichinella spiralis

• Trichinosis is caused by the parasitic roundworm Trichinella spiralis. According to Charles Davis, MD, PhD of Medicine Net, the disease is caused by ingesting undercooked pork products. The parasite cannot be transferred from person to person and is a food-borne contamination process. When you develop trichinosis, it may feel as if you have a severe flu. Symptoms manifest within two days of eating contaminated meat. Symptoms resolve themselves within two weeks to two months.

Taenia saginata & Taenia solium

• Taenia saginata is caused by eating undercooked beef. Taenia solium is caused by eating undercooked pork. T. saginata is a type of tapeworm, while T. solium is a type of parasitic worm. According to the USDA, humans are the only host for taeniasis. This type of infection occurs commonly in underdeveloped countries, though travelers can become exposed to an infection. A taeniasis infection can last for many years if not treated, and result in weight loss, digestive issues and intestinal obstructions.

Toxoplasma gondii

• Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that can be transferred through consumption of contaminated food, through contact with a cat who is infected (e.g., cleaning your cat's litter box), organ transplant, blood transfusion or from an infected mother to her child. Toxoplasma gondii can result in a condition known as toxoplasmosis. This condition can result in flu-like symptoms in healthy people. However, those who have compromised immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS patients, toxoplasmosis can create damage to the brain or eyes. If you own a cat, it is important to wash your hands after coming into contact with their litter box. If you are pregnant, never clean your cat's liter box, but have a family member do it. Prevent your cat from scavenging or spending too much time outside in order to prevent a toxoplasma gondii infection.

Cyclospora cayetanensis

• Cyclospora cayetanensis causes a condition known as cyclosporiasis. Cyclospora cayetanensis can be transferred through contaminated food and water or through the fecal-oral route. Symptoms can manifest as muscle aches, low-grade fever (below 100 degrees Fahrenheit), nausea and vomiting, and abdominal cramping. In most cases, Cyclospora cayetanensis will cease within a month from infection. However, according to the USDA, symptoms of cyclosporiasis can return.