Table of Contents
Where are parasites most commonly found?
Parasitic diseases are most common in developing countries in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world (Figure 3). These places are often hot and humid, conditions which are suitable for the growth of many parasites.
How are parasites found?
Faecal-oral transmission, where parasites found in the stool of one person end up being swallowed by another person, is the most common mode of transmission of parasitic protozoa and helminths.
Where are food parasites found?
This parasite can be found in soil, food, water or surfaces that have been contaminated with feces from infected humans or animals.
What is the most common parasite found in humans?
The most common intestinal protozoan parasites are: Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica, Cyclospora cayetanenensis, and Cryptosporidium spp.
How do humans get parasites?
You can get infected by: touching objects or surfaces with worm eggs on them – if someone with worms does not wash their hands. touching soil or swallowing water or food with worm eggs in it – mainly a risk in parts of the world without modern toilets or sewage systems.
What is the most common parasitic infection?
The most common parasitic infection in the U.S. is trichomoniasis, a sexually-transmitted disease caused by the protozoan trichomonas vaginalis , with about 7.4 million cases occurring every year. Giardia , a protozoan that causes intestinal problems, follows, causing an estimated 2 million infections every year.
What are the types of Worms in humans?
Just a few of the different types of parasitic worms common to humans are tapeworms, (Cestodes); hookworms, pinworms, and roundworms (Nematodes); giardia ( Protozoa ); and flat worms, ( Trematoda ).
What are parasites in humans?
A parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host. There are three main classes of parasites that can cause disease in humans: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites.
What are the symptoms of Worms?
Common symptoms of intestinal worms are: abdominal pain. diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. gas/bloating. fatigue. unexplained weight loss. abdominal pain or tenderness.