Some Common Parasites Affecting Humans

Introduction:

Parasites are responsible for a significant percentage of human disease. Usually unsanitary conditions allow the parasite to develop. We associate this with developing countries, but a lack of water treatment plants, improper sewage disposal and a general lack of hygienic measures predispose to the inadvertent spread of parasites anywhere.

Unfortunately many of these parasites live right here in our home environment and in almost any country on earth making it important to perform at least the simple measures that can be done to prevent the spread of these diseases. Many parasites have adapted to the metabolism of the host and depend on a host in their development life cycle. The goal of treatment is to interrupt the cycle of infection and re-infection between host and parasite. When this is done, these dreadful diseases can be prevented.
In the following I will review some of the most common parasitic infestations. Simply click on the link in the table above.

Disclaimer:

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References:

1.The Merck Manual, 7^th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 161.

2. David Heymann, MD, Editor: Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 18th Edition, 2004, American Public Health Association.