Track 8: Infections and Parasitic Diseases

What is called infection disease?

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by organisms — such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Many organisms live in and on our bodies. They're normally harmless or even helpful.

Parasitic diseases are infections caused by organisms that live off of another living thing, called the host. Parasites can be tiny organisms called protozoa or larger worms. 

Symptoms Fever, Fatigue, Intestinal issues, Skin rashes, and Neurological symptoms. 

Causes contaminated food or water, bug bites, sexual contact, and eating undercooked meat. 

Diagnosis 

Blood tests

Stool exams

Endoscopies or colonoscopies

X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans

Treatment Antiparasitic medications and Surgery to remove worms or cysts. 

Prevention

Drink only water you know is safe 

Cook, boil, peel, or avoid food, drink, and water that may be contaminated 

Some examples of parasitic diseases include: 

Giardia, Toxoplasmosis, Malaria, Hookworm, Chagas disease, Tapeworm, and Roundworm.

What are the five parasitic infections?

The most common parasitic infections include:

Malaria.

Toxoplasmosis.

Head lice.

Giardiasis.

Pinworms.