Parasitic Infections

What are Parasitic Infections?

A parasitic infection occurs when parasites establish themselves in the body and cause an infection as they multiply in numbers and attempt to colonize. All of the many different types of parasitic infections are going to be caused by one of three different types of organisms: protozoa (single-cell organisms), helminths (worms), or ectoparasites. These are multicell organisms living on or feeding on skin.

The most dangerous of these infections will have parasites attacking organ systems in the body. The risk of dying from a parasitic infection is greatest with these types of infections, and they occur most often in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

What Causes Parasitic Infections?

Exposure to contaminated water, foods, waste, or soil is what causes protozoic and helminthic infections. These types of parasitic infection may result from exposure to contaminated blood or from sexual contact, but that is rarer. Malaria and dengue fever are infections caused by mosquito bites that introduce protozoa into the bloodstream.

It is possible to be more at risk of parasitic infections if the person has a compromised immune system or is living or traveling to a tropical or subtropical region. This can also apply to those without access to clean drinking water, work in childcare or being exposed to soil regularly because of work. Pet owners are more at risk of toxoplasmosis infections, and cat owners in particular.

Parasitic Infection Symptoms

Symptoms will be different here depending on the type of infection. Possible parasitic infection symptoms are pain, headache, weakness, fever, vomiting, nausea, vision impairment, skin rash or swelling, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, upset stomach, dehydration, and discharge from body openings among other possible symptoms.

Treatment for Parasitic Infections

The most conventional approach to treatment for parasitic infections is to have the person on parasiticide medications like Plaquenil. What is the best course of treatment may not be as advisable for another one based on the vast number of different parasitic infections. For some, avoiding Rx medication entirely may be what a doctor recommends, as is the case with toxoplasmosis and some other types of parasitic infections. Using a medicated ointment or shampoo may also be a way to get rid of a parasitic infection.