Parasitic infection

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Parasitic Infection

A Parasitic Infection (pronunciation: /pəˈræsɪtɪk ɪnˈfɛkʃən/) is a condition where an organism, known as a parasite, lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host.

Etymology

The term "Parasitic Infection" is derived from the Greek word "parasitos" which means "one who eats at the table of another" and the Latin word "infectio" which means "to stain or dye".

Types of Parasitic Infections

There are three main types of parasites that can cause disease in humans: Protozoa, Helminths, and Ectoparasites.

  • Protozoa are microscopic, one-celled organisms that can be free-living or parasitic in nature. They are able to multiply in humans, which contributes to their survival and also permits serious infections to develop from just a single organism.
  • Helminths are large, multicellular organisms that are generally visible to the naked eye in their adult stages. They are also known as worms and can live in or outside of the human body.
  • Ectoparasites are organisms such as ticks, fleas, lice, and mites that live on the surface of a host and feed on its blood.

Symptoms

Symptoms of parasitic infections vary greatly depending on the type of parasite and the location of the infection. Common symptoms may include gastrointestinal issues, skin bumps or rashes, weight loss, and fatigue.

Treatment

Treatment for parasitic infections involves medications that are toxic to the parasites. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the type of parasite, the location of the infection, and the patient's overall health.

Prevention

Prevention of parasitic infections involves good personal hygiene, safe food and water practices, and use of preventive medications when traveling to areas where parasitic infections are common.

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