| Parasitic disease | |
|---|---|
| Other names | parasitosis, parasitic infection |
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| False-colorelectron micrograph of aPlasmodiumsporozoite | |
| Specialty | Infectious disease |
Aparasitic disease, also known asparasitosis, is aninfectious disease caused byparasites.[1] Parasites are organisms which derive sustenance from itshost while causing it harm.[2] The study of parasites and parasitic diseases is known asparasitology.[3] Medical parasitology is concerned with three major groups of parasites: parasiticprotozoa,helminths, and parasiticarthropods.[2] Parasitic diseases are thus considered those diseases that are caused bypathogens belongingtaxonomically to either theanimalkingdom, or theprotozoankingdom.[4]
Although organisms such asbacteria function as parasites, the usage of the term "parasitic disease" is usually more restricted. The three main types of organisms causing these conditions areprotozoa (causingprotozoan infection),helminths (helminthiasis), andectoparasites.[5] Protozoa and helminths are usually endoparasites (usually living inside the body of the host), while ectoparasites usually live on the surface of the host. Protozoa are single-celled, microscopic organisms that belong to the kingdomProtista. Helminths on the other hand are macroscopic, multicellular organisms that belong to the kingdomAnimalia. Protozoans obtain their required nutrients through pinocytosis and phagocytosis. Helminths of class Cestoidea and Trematoda absorb nutrients, whereas nematodes obtain needed nourishment through ingestion.[4] Occasionally the definition of "parasitic disease" is restricted to diseases due to endoparasites.[6]
Some parasitic diseases can occur in either an acute or chronic form. The acute form is characterized by quicker and often more severe onset of symptoms. The chronic form is typically less severe but is life-long. Some parasites that cause chronic and acute manifestations in their respective diseases are:
Mammals can get parasites from contaminatedfood orwater,bug bites,sexual contact,[7] or contact with animals.
Some ways in which people may acquire parasitic infections are walkingbarefoot, inadequate disposal offeces, lack ofhygiene, close contact with someone carrying specific parasites, and eating undercooked foods, unwashed fruits and vegetables or foods from contaminated regions.[citation needed] It is important to note that only at specific stages in a parasites life is it infectious.[8] Contact with non-infective stages will not lead to infection.
Many parasites utilize vectors to infect hosts.[9] Vectors are vessels for the parasite, and help the parasite infect its next host. Some examples of parasitic diseases that use vectors aremalaria,Lyme disease, andleishmaniasis.
Many parasitic diseases are concentrated in specific areas of the globe. Majority of these diseases are prevalent along the equator due to the warm temperatures.[citation needed] Therefore, people located in these areas are at greater risk of contracting the disease causing parasites.
Parasitic diseases are far more common amongmarginalized groups.[10] Lack of indoor bathrooms and access to clean drinking water are only some of the risk factors faced.[11] Additionally, in the United States beingHispanic orAfrican-American have shown to be risk factors for specific parasitic diseases.[12]
Parasitic diseases can manifest in many different symptoms, with some beingasymptomatic. Many of the symptoms of parasitic diseases are common among other ailments, such asfood poisoning or theflu. This can cause correct diagnoses to take a while. The targetorgan(s) of the parasite typically dictates the symptoms experienced:
Different parasitic diseases require differentdiagnostic methods because different parasites have different diagnostic stages. Testing routes will often be determined by symptoms.
Parasitic infections can usually be treated withantiparasiticdrugs.[citation needed]The use of viruses to treat infections caused byprotozoa has been proposed.[18][19]
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