IanHuman Parasites
February 19th 2010 01:44
Parasitic diseases in humans are mainly caused by single-celled organisms and worms. The cysts and eggs of these organisms are generally found in faeces which aids in the detection of the parasite in the human host while also providing a means for the parasitic species to exit the current host and enter other hosts.
Common symptoms of a parasite infection include constipation, diarrhoea, gas and bloating, joint aches, chronic fatigue, excessive hunger, and immune dysfunction.
Thanks to Treehuger below are some images and information on human parasites. Read the full article here.
In your eye: Known as the African eye worm, or loa loa, this is a nematode that requires a male and female in the host for full infection to ensue, according to Stanford University. This parasite is transmitted by Chrysops fly bites. It's endemic in the rainforests of West and Central Africa, but has also been diagnosed in tourists.
Also in your gut: The good old tapeworm. A parasite of many stories. Including how they've been used to help people lose weight. Snopes.com, an urban myth debunking site, lists the tapeworm diet pill story as "undetermined." Either way, it's a good idea to cook your meat thoroughly.
Nether regions: Pubic lice, AKA the crabs. These are small, six-legged creatures that infect the pubic hair area and lay eggs, according to Google Health. They can also be found in armpit hair and eyebrows (probably preferred compared to the alternative). Can be treated with a prescription wash. Resist the urge to use fire.
In your mouth: This is a particularly disturbing one called Rhinosporidiosis. Once considered a fungus. Now considered a parasite. The disgusting factor hasn't changed. Drinking contaminated water is a likely source of infection.
From the big screen: The hookworm, which lives and dies in your small intestine and feeds on your blood. You can become infected by walking barefoot or swallowing contaminated soil. This one looks a lot like the creature from "Tremors," with Kevin Bacon.
*This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article for Human Parasites.
Common symptoms of a parasite infection include constipation, diarrhoea, gas and bloating, joint aches, chronic fatigue, excessive hunger, and immune dysfunction.
Thanks to Treehuger below are some images and information on human parasites. Read the full article here.
African eye worm
Tapeworm
Pubic Lice
Rhinosporidiosis
Hookworm
*This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article for Human Parasites.
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