Human parasite

Human parasites are organisms that live on or in a host organism. They get their food from or at the expense of their host. Parasites can cause disease in humans. Some parasitic diseases are easily treated and some are not. The burden of these diseases often rests on communities in the tropics and subtropics, but parasitic infections also affect people in developed countries.

Types of Human Parasites

There are three types of parasites that can cause illness in humans:

• Protozoa: These are single-celled organisms that can multiply in humans. They can live in the intestines, blood, or tissue. Protozoa that live in the blood or tissue can be transmitted through a vector, like a mosquito. Protozoa that live in the intestines are usually transmitted through fecal matter.

• Helminths: These are worm parasites. Schistosomiasis is caused by a helminth. Other helminth infections include ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm.

• Ectoparasites: These are parasites that live on the outside of the body, such as lice and mites.

Transmission

Parasites can be transmitted in a number of ways:

• Water or food: Some parasites live in the intestines and are excreted in the feces of infected humans or animals. If this feces contaminates water or food, the parasite can be transmitted to those who consume it.

• Blood or other body fluids: Some parasites live in the blood or other body fluids and can be transmitted through sexual contact or the sharing of needles.

• Insect bites: Some parasites are transmitted by insects that act as a vector.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention methods depend on the type of parasite. For parasites transmitted through water or food, it is important to cook food thoroughly, wash hands and vegetables, and purify water. For parasites transmitted through blood or other body fluids, it is important to practice safe sex and avoid sharing needles. For parasites transmitted through insect bites, it is important to use insect repellent and bed nets.

Treatment depends on the type of parasite. Some parasitic infections can be treated with antiparasitic drugs. Others can be treated with other types of drugs, such as antimalarial drugs for malaria.

See Also

• Parasitic Diseases
• Parasitic Infections
• Parasitology

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