Parasites are essentially microorganisms that live off other organisms for their survival. There are some which do not have any significant impact on the body of the host. However, many of them can grow, reproduce, and invade an organ system of a living organism. It leads to what we medically know as ‘Parasitic Infection’, which may prove to be severe. Therefore, you must know a few facts about diseases triggered by parasites. Here is presenting to you this article explaining everything you need to know about a ‘Parasitic Infection‘.
What are the factors that contribute to Parasitic Infection?
Typically, the causative agent of Parasitic infection is a microorganism. Three types are responsible for it. They are as follows:
- Helminths
- Ectoparasites
- Protozoa
Now, helminths (commonly called worms) are multicellular microorganisms that can live inside or outside your body. These include roundworms, tapeworms, flatworms, etc.
Ectoparasites, too, are multicellular microorganisms. Moreover, they live and feed themselves to survive off your skin.
Finally, a Protozoa, a single-cell microorganism, can also happily live and multiply inside your body.
How does the transmission of Parasitic Infection occur?
It is a fact that a ‘Parasitic Infection’ can spread in several ways. However, you need to be aware of what they are. For example, protozoa and helminths can quickly spread contaminated water, soil, blood, food, etc. There is also the possibility that you may experience this infection through sexual contact. Meanwhile, insects, too, at times can be the cause of an infection. The transmission of a ‘Parasitic Infection’ such as malaria. It occurs due to a mosquito which acts as the vector or carrier of this disorder.
Which types of individuals are at risk of acquiring a Parasitic Infection?
In life, all of you around the world can acquire a ‘Parasitic Infection .’There are, in fact, a few individuals at greater risk of acquiring such an infection. Hence, here is a list of factors more likely to make you susceptible to a ‘Parasitic Infection’.
- An immune system that is already compromised.
- Inability to consume clean drinking water.
- Live in or travel to tropical regions of the world.
- Indulge swimming in water that contains parasites such as ‘Giardia’.
- Work regularly with soil that comprises fecal matter.
What are the symptoms of ‘Parasitic Infection’?
Usually, it depends on the type of ‘Parasitic Infection’ you acquire that symptoms arise. They are as follows:
- Therefore, if you have a sexually transmitted infection like Trichomoniasis, you will most likely find no symptoms. In some cases, you may experience itching, redness, irritation, etc.
- A ‘Parasitic Infection’ such as ‘Giardiasis’ (intestinal medical condition) may cause greasy stools, diarrhea, dehydration, etc.
- Cryptosporidiosis (intestinal disorder) will trigger symptoms such as weight loss, fever, vomiting, etc.
- Although, with regards to Toxoplasmosis, you may experience ‘Flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches/pain and swollen lymph nodes.
How do you treat a Parasitic Infection?
Typically, the treatment for your ‘Parasitic Infection’ will depend on the diagnosis made by your doctor. It is on the type of parasite causing the medical condition then that your physician will prescribe for you medication. There is also the possibility that your healthcare professional may recommend certain treatment strategies to provide you relief from specific ‘Parasitic Infection’ symptoms. For example, many disorders triggered by parasites can cause diarrhea which leads to dehydration. In such a situation, then you will be encouraged by your General Practitioner or GP to consume a lot of fluids to make up for the loss of water from your body.
What are some tests you can use in the diagnosis of Parasitic Infection?
If you happen to acquire ‘Parasitic Infection,’ then there are several ways you can use for diagnosis of this medical condition. They are as follows:
- Fecal exam: In this type of test, you can collect a sample of your stool, after which you can check for the presence of parasites and their eggs.
- Colonoscopy and endoscopy: These diagnostic examinations involve passing a thin, flexible tube via the mouth or rectum right into the digestive system to examine your intestinal tract.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT), and X-Rays: These are examinations involving imaging scans that help provide your doctor with all the lesions or injuries that may occur on your organ once you acquire a ‘Parasitic Infection’.
How can you prevent a Parasitic Infection?
Prevention is better than cure is an old English adage, which is a fact. However, about Parasitic Infection, you must ask yourself whether or not it is actually preventable. The answer, fortunately, is ‘YES’ since there are steps you can take to avoid getting a Parasitic Infection. They are:
- Eat only food that you cook under internal temperature
- Always use clean drinking water while traveling
- Try washing your hands frequently throughout the day, mainly after you handle feces or uncooked food
- Only drink clean water, and do not drink from lakes, ponds, or streams
- Use a condom while having sex
Conclusion:
It is essential to remember that if you suffer from a ‘Parasitic Infection’, then you can spread it to other people who come in close contact with your body. Hence, once you suspect that you may have a ‘Parasitic Infection’, it is necessary that you immediately make an appointment with your doctor. It is mainly because early diagnosis and treatment of ‘Parasitic Infection’ can prevent it from spreading within a larger community.
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