Symptoms and Sources of Infection
Millions of Americans are affected by parasites.
From protozoa toroundworms, tapeworms to flukes, there are four main classifications of parasites that infect humans.
Unlike other kinds of parasites, they reproduce very rapidly.
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Protozoa have an indefinite life span.
These organisms include:
Roundworms and Hookworms
These are unsegmented worms.
They produce eggs that require incubation in soil or in another host before parasitizing humans.
Tapeworms are the largest intestinal parasites and can grow up to several feet or more in length.
Tapeworm larvae can be found in undercooked meat or fish.
From larvae,worms develop in the bodyand attach to the small intestine.
They survive there by absorbing nutrients from ingested foods.Tapeworm infectionis oftensymptomless, andtreatmentinvolves medication that targets the worm.
Flatworms can travel to the lungs, intestines, heart, brain, and liver.
Eggs can cause inflammation by releasing toxins that damage tissues.
Some key organisms include:
Also read aboutpargonimus,schistosomiasis, andcryptosporidium.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Babesiosis.
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2020;65(4):831-836. doi:10.2478/s11686-020-00213-2
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Enterobiasis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Trichuriasis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Trichinellosis (trichinosis).
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cysticercosis.
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