Internal Parasites in Humans

According to the Centers for Disease Control, at least one-third of the entire world population has some form of an intestinal parasite, making it one of the most common types of parasitic infection. Parasites can cause many symptoms such as weight loss, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some parasites can even lead to serious health conditions, such as ulcerations of the intestine, gastrointestinal obstruction and even death in countries that are undeveloped.

Nematode

• The most common type of nematode is E.vermicularis, or the pinworm. Humans are the only animals known to be infected by this parasite. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, nearly 209 million people are infected by this parasite. Pinworms live in the large intestine. The female will move towards the perineum at night in order to lay her eggs, which then result in symptoms such as rectal itching and sleep disturbances. Pinworms are mostly transferred by way of the fecal-oral route (i.e. touching contaminated objects that have come in contact with fecal matter, and then touching the mucous membranes). Therefore, it is important to always wash your hands to avoid the transference of this parasite.

Giardia Lamblia

• According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, G. lamblia is the most common parasite found in humans worldwide. It is the second most common in the United States. This type is most common in areas of poor sanitation. The parasite is spread by fecal-oral contamination or by contact with others who are infected. Symptoms can include nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and gas and weight loss.

Hook Worms

• There are two types of hook worms. One species is the A. duodenale, and the other is the N. americanus. Hook worms infect their hosts by entering the skin pores or hair follicles. Once an infestation has been established within the human host, symptoms such as breathing issues can occur. If an infection manifests in the intestines, a serious complication such as anemia can occur. According to American Family Physician, hookworms can consume up to 0.25 mL of blood in one day.

Tapeworms

• Tapeworms can be passed through in undercooked meat. If you eat meat infected with larvae, either through beef, fish or pork, then the larvae will eventually become adult worms within your body. The most dangerous type of tapeworm is the T. solium. If you become infected with this parasite, it can lead to neurological complications, such as seizures or instability when walking.

Flukes

• Flukes fall into two categories for their human hosts. One is known as the foodborne flukes, and the other is known as the blood flukes. Foodborne flukes are passed through food, while blood flukes are passed through by penetrating the surface of the skin. According to the Centers for Disease Control, blood flukes such as the species S. mansoni and S. heamatobium, can cause liver and urologic complications, and can even lead to cancer. Foodborne flukes are most commonly associated with eating raw fish or crustaceans.

Prevention/Solution

• Proper hygiene and sanitation can drastically reduce and prevent the spread of parasites. Always wash your hands with warm water and soap. If you are unable to wash your hands, use an anti-bacterial, alcohol based hand sanitizer. Clean and wash household items such as bedding (in the case of pinworms). If visiting in areas with known occurrence of parasites, drink bottled water only, and eat meat that has been fully cooked