PARASITIC DISEASES

TYPES

Common types of parasitic diseases in the US include:

• Trichomoniasis – is a protozoan parasite scientifically called trichomonas vaginalis. This disease does not usually show symptoms, and people who are being infected by it do not feel any pain.
• Giardiasis – is a diarrheal disease caused by the microscopic parasite Giardia. It is an organism that feeds off of another host to survive. 
• Cryptosporidiosis – is a disease caused by tiny, one-celled cryptosporidium parasites. 
• Toxoplasmosis – is an infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, one of the world’s most common parasites.

Usually, parasitic infections are caused by these three types of organisms. 

• Protozoa – single-celled organisms that can live and multiply inside the host.
• Helminths -celled organisms that can live in or outside of your host. Thus, commonly known as worms.
• Ectoparasites. 

SYMPTOMS

These are the common things you need to observe if you feel like a parasitic disease has infected you.

• Mimic anemia or a hormone deficiency.
• Some are caused by worms like itching affecting the anus or the vaginal area. 
• Abdominal pain, weight loss, increased appetite, bowel obstructions, diarrhea, and vomiting eventually lead to dehydration, sleeping problems, worms present in the vomit or stools, anemia, aching muscles joints, allergies, fatigue, and nervousness.

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose if you have a parasitic infection, physician may request the following:

• A blood test
• A fecal exam: a sample of the patient’s stool will be collected and checked for parasites and their eggs.
• An endoscopy or colonoscopy: These kinds of tests may be ordered if the stool test result is inconclusive. While the patient is sedated, the doctor will pass a thin, flexible tube through the mouth or rectum and into the digestive system to examine the patient’s intestinal tract.
• X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computerized axial tomography (CAT): These scans are used to check for signs of lesions to the patient’s organs caused by parasites.

TREATMENT

The treatment method will depend on the specific diagnosis and which type of parasitic disease the patient has acquired. Normally, the doctor will prescribe medications. For instance, the doctor may prescribe medications to treat trichomoniasis, giardiasis, or cryptosporidiosis.  A recommendation from a physician may occur for treatments. For instance, most parasitic diseases can cause diarrhea, which might lead to dehydration. The doctor will encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids to replenish the loss.