Common global water-related diseases caused by parasites include Guinea worm, schistosomiasis, amebiasis, cryptosporidiosis (Crypto), and giardiasis. People become infected with these diseases when they swallow or have contact with water that has been contaminated by certain parasites.
Giardia is arguably the most common parasite infection of humans worldwide, and the second most common in the United States after pin-worm.
Examples of parasitic infections
The most common ones found in North America include Giardia infections (through contaminated water) and toxoplasmosis (spread by cats). Others include: E. vermicularis, or pinworm.
There are three main classes of parasites that can cause disease in humans: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites.
Diarrhea. Nausea or vomiting. Gas or bloating. Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus)
Digestive problems including unexplained constipation, diarrhoea or persistent gas. Skin issues such as rashes, eczema, hives, and itching. Continuous muscle and joint pain. Fatigue, even when you get enough sleep.
Common global water-related diseases caused by parasites include Guinea worm, schistosomiasis, amebiasis, cryptosporidiosis (Crypto), and giardiasis.
Parasitic infections are more common in rural or developing areas than in developed areas. In developed areas, these infections may occur in immigrants, in returning travelers, or in people with a weakened immune system. Parasites usually enter the body through the mouth or skin.
This diet may include avoiding greasy, processed foods and eating natural, whole foods. Some parasite cleansing diets ask the person to avoid specific types of foods, such as gluten, dairy, or pork. Diets may also include the use of anti-inflammatory herbs and spices, such as garlic, turmeric, and ginger.
Parasites could be using glucose (or other things present in the host blood after eating) as a food source: When hosts eat, parasites eat.
Parasites can live in the intestines for years without causing symptoms. When they do, symptoms include the following: Digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, or gas. Skin disorders like eczema, hives, or unexplained chronic itching.
For those who do get sick, signs and symptoms usually appear one to three weeks after exposure and may include: Watery, sometimes foul-smelling diarrhea that may alternate with soft, greasy stools.
Unexplained digestive problems, itchiness, anemia, muscular and joint pain, and inability to feel satisfied after even a hearty meal are some of the commonly experienced signs you may have a parasite. Call your doctor if your unusual signs indicate the presence of a parasite.
Some parasites go away on their own, especially if you have a healthy immune system and maintain a balanced diet. However, talk to a healthcare provider if you have signs of a parasitic infection. They can make an official diagnosis and help prevent the spread of the parasite to others.
Five tiny parasites cause some of the most devastating diseases including malaria, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, sleeping sickness and guinea worm disease.
Blood tests: A healthcare professional may perform a blood test to detect a specific parasitic infection. A serology is a blood test that indicates antibodies or parasite antigens. Another test is a blood smear, where a drop of blood is examined for parasites under a microscope.
In humans parasites may live in several places and infect many body parts and organ systems, for instance: Lungs (for example lung flukes). Muscles (for example Trichinella spiralis larvae). Joints (Giardia lamblia infection may lead to later development of arthritis).