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Internal Parasites in Humans and Animals

There are many different parasites that can infect humans and animals. These can sometimes cause severe infections that can kill the host, or the parasite may go unnoticed. These parasites are typically various worms that infect their host through the ingestion of the eggs.

  1. Symptoms

    • There are different symptoms depending on the particular infection. Diarrhea is one symptom common to many parasite infections in both animals and humans. Conversely, constipation is also a common symptom, due to intestines being blocked by worms. Poor appetite and lethargy are very common symptoms of parasitic infections. Severe fatigue is an obvious symptom in pets suffering from a moderate or severe infection. Distended bellies are a symptom of worms in animals, while humans are more likely to suffer from bloating.

    Tapeworm

    • Tapeworms can cause many problems in animals and humans. In particular, they can cause emotional changes, such as nervousness. This type of parasite is very common in animals, as it is generally picked up from fleas. In particular, cats are likely to get tapeworm infections from fleas that were on rodents the animal has killed. These parasites do not generally cause many symptoms of infection, except their visibility in the animal's feces.

    Roundworms

    • The roundworm is yet another parasite that can infect both humans and animals equally. Like other parasites, it can be visible in feces, but it can also be detected in vomit. In worst case scenarios, roundworm infection can cause pneumonia, but it mostly causes stomach problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. Animals get ringworm infections through insect bites; human children often catch it by ingesting dirt.

    Hookworms

    • Hookworms are better known for feeding off their host's blood than causing the stomach problems characteristic of other internal parasites. The host often becomes incredibly weak due to anemia. These parasites are difficult to detect, however, as they are not visible in the host's feces the way many other parasites are. In some cases, to survive, the host requires a blood transfusion. In humans, hookworms can cause organ damage.

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