A tapeworm is a type of parasitic flatworm that belongs to the group Cestoda. It lives in the intestines of many animals, including humans. Tapeworms attach themselves to the intestinal wall using hooks or suckers on their head (called the scolex) and take in nutrients directly from the food their host eats. This can lead … Read more
Hookworm infection is a parasitic disease caused when tiny worm larvae in contaminated soil enter the body, usually through the skin. This most often happens when people walk barefoot in areas with poor sanitation. After entering the skin, the larvae travel through the bloodstream and lungs before reaching the small intestine. Infection can also occur … Read more
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a microscopic parasite found around the world. An estimated 30% to 50% of people have been exposed to it, though rates differ depending on local food habits and environmental conditions. The infection is mainly spread by eating undercooked meat, especially pork, lamb, or venison, coming into contact … Read more
Roundworm infection (ascariasis) is a common parasitic disease caused by the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. People become infected when they swallow the worm’s eggs, which are found in soil, food, or water contaminated with human feces. This usually happens in areas with poor sanitation. After the eggs are swallowed, they hatch in the small intestine. The … Read more
Leishmaniasis is a group of tropical diseases caused by Leishmania parasites, which are tiny single-celled organisms spread to humans through the bites of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. More than 20 parasite species and over 90 sandfly species can transmit the infection. The disease is found in about 99 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and … Read more
Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic infection of the digestive system caused by microscopic organisms called Cryptosporidium. The illness usually leads to watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, mild fever, and loss of appetite. The parasite spreads through the fecal–oral route, meaning people become infected when they accidentally swallow food or water contaminated with feces. Common sources … Read more
Schistosomiasis is a long-lasting parasitic infection caused by blood flukes, small flatworms—from the genus Schistosoma. It is one of the world’s most widespread neglected tropical diseases. People become infected when their skin comes into contact with freshwater that contains the parasite’s larvae, called cercariae, which are released by infected freshwater snails. This exposure often occurs … Read more
Babesiosis is an infection spread by ticks and caused by Babesia parasites, which are tiny organisms (protozoa) that enter and destroy red blood cells. Many infected people do not develop symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they often resemble the flu and may include fever, chills, sweating, headache, body aches, and tiredness. Severe illness can cause … Read more
Amoebiasis is an infection of the intestines caused by a microscopic parasite called Entamoeba histolytica. The infection spreads when people consume food or water contaminated with tiny parasite cysts, usually due to poor sanitation or contact with infected feces. It is most common in tropical and subtropical regions where access to clean water and proper … Read more
Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a tiny parasite called Giardia duodenalis (also known as Giardia lamblia or Giardia intestinalis). It is one of the most common parasitic infections worldwide, with hundreds of millions of people affected each year. The parasite spreads when people swallow its hardy “cysts” (a protective form that survives outside … Read more