Parasitic disease

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Parasitic disease

Parasitic disease or parasitosis is an infectious disease caused or transmitted by a parasite. Many parasites do not cause diseases. Parasitic diseases can affect practically all living organisms, including plants and mammals. The study of parasitic diseases is called parasitology.

Pronunciation

  • /ˌpærəˈsɪtɪk dɪˈziːz/

Etymology

The term "parasitic disease" is derived from the Greek words "para" meaning "alongside," and "sitos" meaning "food" - thus signifying an organism that lives alongside and feeds off its host. "Disease" comes from the Old French "desaise," meaning lack of ease.

Types of Parasitic Diseases

Some examples of parasitic diseases include:

  • Malaria: A disease caused by a parasite that lives in certain mosquitoes and is transferred to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.
  • Leishmaniasis: A disease caused by protozoan parasites that belong to the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by the bite of certain types of sandflies.
  • Schistosomiasis: A disease that is caused by parasitic worms.
  • Trypanosomiasis: Also known as African sleeping sickness, a disease caused by microscopic parasites of the species Trypanosoma brucei.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of parasitic diseases vary, but can include fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Diagnosis typically involves laboratory testing, including tests to identify the parasite in stool samples, blood samples, or other body fluids.

Treatment

Treatment for parasitic diseases typically involves medications that kill the parasites. The specific medication used depends on the type of parasite and the severity of symptoms.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for parasitic diseases often involve good personal hygiene, safe food and water practices, and use of preventive medications or vaccines where available.

See also

External links

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