Feeling Unwell? You Could Have a Parasite Living in Your Gut.

Many believe that parasitic diseases are mainly prevalent in poorer and developing countries, or they may contract illnesses while traveling abroad. However, parasitic infections also occur in the United States and affect millions. While they often go unnoticed due to minimal symptoms, they can also result in severe illnesses such as seizures, blindness, pregnancy complications, heart failure, and even fatalities. It's important to note that anyone can become infected, regardless of race or financial status.

Human parasites consist of a variety of protozoa and worms that can be categorized into two types: endoparasites, which cause infections inside the body, and ectoparasites, which cause infections superficially on or within the skin. In this blog, we will explore the different types of human parasites, how they are transmitted, and the health effects they can have on people.

There are many human parasites, including protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can cause diseases such as toxoplasmosis due to consuming undercooked meat. Helminths are worm-like organisms that can cause diseases such as tapeworm infection and hookworm infection. Ectoparasites are organisms that live outside the body, such as lice and fleas.

Helminths are parasitic worms that often root in a person's digestive tract. These parasites are the most common. Symptoms include allergies, asthma, eczema, and inflammatory diseases, most notably Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, have also been reported.

Some human parasites are transmitted through contaminated food and water, such as Giardia lamblia, which causes giardiasis. Chagas disease is transmitted through vectorborne transmissions.  Other parasites are transmitted through the bites of infected insects, such as  loiasis (from deerflies bites). 

Human parasites can cause various health problems, ranging from mild to severe. Some parasites cause acute symptoms that last for a short period, while others cause chronic infections lasting years. Adult worms have the potential to reside within the human body for up to 17 years, all while continuing to produce new microfilariae for a significant portion of this time. 

The most typical symptoms include unexplained constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, nausea, and other symptoms that resemble Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  In some cases, parasitic infections can lead to malnutrition, anemia, and even death.

Individuals contracting Chagas disease may not experience symptoms for the first few weeks or months. If symptoms do occur, they may be mild and include swelling at the infected site, low-grade fever, body aches, skin rash, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and swollen glands. As the infection progresses into the chronic phase, those who did not experience any symptoms during the acute phase may start to notice signs such as an irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure, difficulty swallowing due to a swollen esophagus, and abdominal pain or constipation. In some cases, the infection may even lead to cardiac arrest.

Preventing human parasite infections involves reducing the risk of exposure to parasites. This includes practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding contact with contaminated water sources. Especially after participating in outdoor activities such as field work, gardening, or landscaping, even if you wear gloves because Giardia germs can be present in the soil.

Insect repellents can be used to reduce the risk of insect bites. In addition, proper cooking and food preparation can help reduce the risk of foodborne parasitic infections.

Wormwood is a type of herb that has been traditionally used to treat various health conditions, including parasitic infections. One of its main active ingredients, called artemisinin, has been shown to have potent antiparasitic effects against a variety of human parasites, including malaria. Additionally, research has shown that artemisinin can effectively kill Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola hepatica, two of the most common parasitic infections worldwide.

While artemisinin has shown promising results in treating parasitic infections, it should be noted that its use should be carefully monitored by a healthcare provider, as high doses of artemisinin can be toxic.

In conclusion, human parasites are a significant health concern worldwide. They can be transmitted in a variety of ways and can cause a wide range of health problems. Preventing parasitic infections involves reducing the risk of parasite exposure, including practicing good hygiene, using insect repellents, and adequately preparing food. If you suspect you may have a parasitic infection, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.