There are some terrible parasites nesting in the human body
Beginning:
In scientific terms, a parasite is a plant or animal that lives in the body of another organism. In this diverse animal kingdom that survives on Earth, there are some parasites that cannot survive without the human body. There are also some opportunists, who are able to survive without human bodies, but when given the opportunity, nest in human bodies. Most of the parasites have been termed as harmful to the human body from the scientific community. Today's discussion is about some known harmful parasites.
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parasites; Image Source: Getty Images. |
Plasmodium
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 250 million people worldwide are infected with malaria each year. Because malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes, many people commonly mistake it for a viral or bacterial disease. But in reality malaria is a disease caused by Plasmodium parasite infection. Symptoms of this disease are headache, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache etc. Although the attack of this parasite is not as serious as other parasites, carelessness and idiosyncrasy can lead to death.
How can you get infected?
Malaria spreads to humans by the Anopheles mosquito. When a mosquito bites a human, some Plasmodium parasites enter the human body from the mosquito's saliva. Plasmodium then multiplies in the liver and red blood cells by carrying out several cycles, thereby destroying the body's red blood cells. This causes anemia in the human body.
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Plasmodium; Image Source: WHO. |
Tapeworm
Tapeworms are a type of flatworm. When tapeworm eggs or larvae enter a person's stomach with food, they reach the intestine and multiply, where they hatch and reproduce. As a result, parasitic problems called cysticercosis are more common. Worryingly, due to this cysticercosis, the parasite can also build a nest in the human brain.
That can cause harm
Tapeworms absorb nutrients from food consumed by humans, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies in the body.
In some cases, tapeworms can become too large and cause intestinal obstruction. This causes abdominal pain, inflammation, nausea and vomiting.
In some people, tapeworms or their eggs cause an allergic reaction, which can cause hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.
Certain types of tapeworms migrate to other parts of the body, including the brain and spinal cord, which can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, such as seizures, headaches.
How can you get infected?
Snail larvae feed on lettuce or scallions.
Eating undercooked pork, or sushi.
Drinking contaminated water.
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| tapeworm; Image Source: Getty Images. |
Filarial worms
According to the World Health Organization, about 120 million people are infected with filarial worms (a type of roundworm) every year. This parasite damages the lymphatic system. Among the diseases that they cause, milk disease is one of them. This parasite does not live in the human intestine. After entering the body, they multiply in the lymphatic system. There are adults who block the lymph ducts after causing inflammation in the lymphatic ducts. It causes skin swelling in the affected area (hands, feet, testicles, breasts) along with reddened and crusty skin that takes the form of elephant skin.
How can you get infected?
This parasite enters the body through skin cells while walking through damp grass.
By drinking contaminated water.
mosquito bites
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| filarial worms; Image Source: Getty Images. |
Australian paralysis tick
Ticks are considered ectoparasites. Because they do not have to enter inside to harm the living body, they can act from above. By biting the skin they cause some dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, Rickettsia etc. The most dangerous of these is the Australian paralysis tick, known as 'Ixodes holocyclus'. They can inject a neurotoxin into the body that causes paralysis in humans. And if it somehow reaches the lungs, the patient dies of lung failure.
How can you get infected?
This Australian tick exists only in Australia. But so far no antivenom or antidote has been discovered.
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| Australian paralysis tick; Image Source: Getty Images. |
Scabies Mite
This scabies mite is much like a tick, resembling a spider. But like Ixodes holocyclus, they do not have the ability to infect humans by biting the skin. They usually defecate on the skin. As a result, itchiness and burning occurs on the skin. Fingernails are more dangerous. Because then scabies faeces cause disease by entering the body through tissue holes. For those whose immune system is weak, this parasite can cause terrible danger. As a result, the skin becomes hard and worn.
How can you get infected?
It is a contagious disease. This parasite can easily be transferred to the body of a healthy person after coming in contact with an infected person. Therefore, it is better to avoid those who have dandruff.
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| Scabies mite; Image Source: Getty Images. |
Screwworm
The scientific name of the New World screwworm discussed in the world today is Cochliomyia hominivorax. Analyzing the word 'hominivorax' means 'man eating', and the name matches the function of these larvae. They eat human flesh. These larvae contain a type of fly. If a female fly with larvae settles in the wound, it lays about a hundred eggs at once. Within a day, the eggs hatch into maggots that feed on human flesh from the wound. These larvae can burrow into muscles, blood vessels, nerves and take shelter. The disease caused by the larvae is called myiasis.
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| screwworm; Image Source: Getty Images. |
If one wants to remove the larvae from the body, they dig holes and try to go deeper. Studies have shown that 8% of people infected with this parasite die. Even the survivors cannot live normally. Because, swarms of maggots keep eating him alive. As a result, body tissues and cells are gradually destroyed.
How can you get infected?
Screwworms are commonly found in the United States. But nowadays its prevalence has increased significantly in different forests of the South American continent. And it can also be found in the Caribbean islands.