“Parasite” is an ecological term that is connected to defining a fashion in which some organisms function, rather than a coherent and evolutionary related group of organisms, as do the terms “mammals” or “insects”. To fully comprehend the subject of parasites, the relationship that occurs between them and hosts is important to understand. Parasitism explains the unusual relationship between organisms including symbiosis, mutualism and comensalism. Parasitism is also not limited to just animals.

Parasite Background   

The term parasite is referred to any living thing that lives on or in another living organism. Parasites hinder with the host’s bodily functions, cause irritation, and bring destruction to host’s tissues. Parasites also release dangerous toxins into the bloodstream. There are two main types of parasites which are larger parasites referred to worms and smaller parasites which require a microscope to view. Parasite symptoms range with every case, but mostly parasite symptoms include heart pain, numb hands, arthritic pain, drooling while sleeping, cysts, depression and so on.

Parasitology   

Parasitology is a quickly growing science that is, nowadays, regularly mentioned in the news and other media forms. Parasitology research draws on ideas and techniques from other fields such as cell biology, biochemical, molecular biology, immunology, genetics and ecology. The examination of these unique organisms means that the topic is broken up into more comprehensible, distinct units which all use common approaches. One of the largest fields in parasitology itself is medical parasitology which refers to the close study of those parasites which directly infect humans. Medical parasitology can also require careful drug development, epidemiological studies and study of zoonoses which is the infectious disease that can be carried from non-human animals to humans and the other way around as well.

Parasites in humans   

Parasites in humans are caused by varying protozoans and helminthes. A parasite that lives inside humans so that humans become their hosts are unable to produce food for themselves. They depend on humans for survival. Inevitably, parasites in humans harm us because they take the food and nutrients that every human needs. They can also destroy tissues and cells which are vital to us as well. A parasite is able to produce toxic waste products that can make people very sick. A parasite doctor should be seen immediately if any odd symptoms arise because a parasite just might be living on the surface of their body or inside them. It is estimated that about 50 percent of the United States population is infected with at least one kind of parasite.

Intestinal parasites   

Intestinal parasites cause great morbidity and fatalities throughout the entire world especially in places that are underdeveloped. The two primary kinds of intestinal parasite are helminths and protozoa. Helminths are worm-like organisms that have many cells and the ones that are common are tapeworms, pinworms, and roundworms. In their matured form, helminths are unable to reproduce and cannot multiply in the human body which is a good thing. Protozoa, on the other hand, have one cell and are able to reproduce inside the human body which allows grave infections to develop. These parasitic organisms are commonly contracted when someone comes in contact with infected feces.

Parasitic worms    

Parasitic worms or also known as helminths are a distinct division of parasites that live inside of their host. They are worm-like creatures that live and feed off of their living hosts. They receive nourishment and safety while interrupting the hosts’ nutrient absorption. The lack of nutrients in the host may lead to weakness and other diseases. Parasitic worms that live inside of the digestive system, the small and large intestines to be exact, are called intestinal parasites. Parasitic worms are separated into three groups which are cestodes, nematodes, and trematodes.

Malaria parasite   

The malaria parasite is a deadly parasite that is killing thousands of people on a regular basis. These parasites in humans requires specific human and mosquito tissue to complete its life cycle. The parasites in the human body develop and reproduces quite rapidly. They cause periodic bouts of flu-like symptoms which includes fever, headache, and chills. The developing parasites also bring destruction to red blood cells which may eventually lead to death by harsh anemia or the blockage of capillaries that supply the brain and other organs with the necessary blood.

Parasitic infections  

Parasitic infections are more frequented in rural and underdeveloped areas such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America than in developed areas. Skin parasites usually enter the human body through the opening of the mouth or skin. Parasitic diseases can be accurately diagnosed by a doctor by taking samples of the potentially infected person’s blood, stool, urine, or other infected tissue. They carefully analyze it to see if the parasite exists within or on the surface of their body.

Giardia parasite  

The Giardia parasite infect humans, but they are also considered a common parasite in cats, dogs, and bireds. Some other mammal hosts that can be have parasitic infections are cows, beavers, deer and sheep. A Giardia infection can happen through ingestion of dormant cysts in infected water, food or by bad hygiene practices. The parasite essentially resides in the small intestines and reproduces causing giardiasis. Parasitic infections can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and serious nausea. These symptoms may eventually lead to weight loss and major dehydration. Parasites in humans do not necessarily bring about obvious symptoms.