Parasite infection signs and symptoms

You may have seen one of the many viral videos on TikTok of people showing the parasites they have passed from either their stool (I know gross) or from their feet. If you haven’t seen any of the videos I’m referring to consider yourself lucky as you can imagine it’s not a pretty sight but it is shedding light on an important topic to talk about.

Parasite infections in America are more common than many people think, affecting millions of people yearly. Although a majority of cases can result in mild symptoms parasite infections can cause serious health issues and are now being linked as a potential trigger of Autoimmune diseases. In this blog post, we will explore how parasite infections occur, the symptoms they manifest, and bust the myth that Americans are safe from parasite infection.

Multiple studies have linked parasite infections as a potential trigger of Autoimmune diseases.¹ While the exact mechanisms are still being explored this information can be used to aid in preventing Autoimmune diseases triggered by parasite infections through bringing awareness to the risk. So how do parasite infections happen?

How Parasite Infections Happen

Parasites are organisms that live on or within another organism, known as the host, deriving nutrients at the host’s expense. Infections can occur through various means that we incorporate into our daily lives like:

1. Contaminated Water and Food: Consuming contaminated water or undercooked/raw food is a common way parasites enter the human body. Poor hygiene practices during food preparation and inadequate water sanitation contribute to the spread of parasitic infections. Food can be exposed to parasites at any time during farming, production, delivery, transportation, or even on the shelf at the store. A few examples look like food being rinsed in infected water, grown in infected soil, or exposed to parasites during the packing process. Below is a list of foods parasites are commonly found in. 

• Raw meat/ sushi
• Undercooked meat
• Unpasteurized milk and cider
• Raw or undercooked freshwater/marine fish
• Produce 
• Raw aquatic plants (ex. watercress)

2. Poor Hygiene: Lack of proper hygiene, such as not washing hands after using the bathroom or handling pets, can lead to the transmission of parasites. Parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium thrive in environments where hygiene is neglected.

3. Insect Vectors: Some parasites, like certain types of worms and protozoa, use insects as vectors to reach their human hosts. Mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas can carry parasites and transmit them through bites.

Types of parasites

There are three main groups of parasites that can cause disease in humans; protozoa, helminths (worms), and ectoparasites. Let’s look at examples of each and what part of the body they affect. 

Protozoa: Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can infect various tissues and organs within the human body. These microscopic parasites are responsible for a range of diseases, and their locations in the body depend on the specific species. Some key examples include:

• Giardia lamblia: This protozoan causes giardiasis, primarily affecting the small intestine. Infected individuals may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea due to the presence of Giardia in the small intestine.
• Plasmodium species: Malaria, a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, primarily affects the liver and red blood cells. The parasites undergo complex life cycles involving the liver and bloodstream, leading to recurring symptoms like fever, chills, and anemia.

Helminths (Worms): Helminths are multicellular organisms, and their locations in the body vary depending on the type of worm. These parasites can be broadly categorized into flatworms (platyhelminths) and roundworms (nematodes). Examples include:

• Tapeworms: Flatworms like tapeworms reside in the human intestines. They attach themselves to the intestinal wall and absorb nutrients from the host. Infections may occur through the consumption of contaminated, undercooked meat.
• Hookworms: These roundworms often reside in the small intestine, where they attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood. Hookworm infections can occur through skin penetration by larvae, commonly found in contaminated soil.

Ectoparasites: Ectoparasites live on the surface of the host’s body and feed on blood or tissue fluids. These parasites often cause skin-related issues and discomfort. Examples include:

• Fleas: Fleas are ectoparasites that infest the fur of animals and can also bite humans. They typically reside on the skin, causing itching and skin irritation.
• Ticks: Ticks attach themselves to the skin and feed on blood. Some species can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease. Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas and tall grass.
• Lice: Lice infest the hair and scalp, feeding on blood. Head lice, for example, are a common problem, especially in crowded environments such as schools.

Common Symptoms of Parasite Infections

Parasite infections can manifest in a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. It’s crucial to be aware of these signs to seek timely medical attention. In the United States, millions of people are affected by parasite infections, most going unnoticed due to mild symptoms but others facing serious illnesses such as blindness, heart failure, seizures, and even death.² Like we have already talked about many Americans believe that parasite infections only happen in developing countries but that is far from the truth making it important to educate yourself on parasites and signs of parasite infections. Common symptoms include:

1. Digestive Issues: Parasites often target the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. Chronic digestive problems may indicate a persistent parasitic infection.

2. Fatigue and Weakness: Parasites can sap the body of essential nutrients, leading to fatigue, weakness, and a general feeling of lethargy. Individuals may experience a decline in energy levels despite adequate rest.

3. Skin Issues: Skin problems, including rashes, itching, and sores, can result from certain parasitic infections. Skin manifestations may vary depending on the type of parasite involved.

4. Weight Loss/ constant hunger: Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of chronic parasitic infections. The parasites interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to a gradual decline in body weight. This also leads to a constant feeling of hunger because all the nutrients from the food you eat are being stolen by parasites. 

Since parasite infections are more common than many people realize awareness is key to prevention and early detection. Practicing good hygiene, ensuring the safety of water and food sources, and seeking medical attention for unexplained symptoms are essential steps in safeguarding against these unseen invaders. By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, individuals can better protect themselves from the often underestimated threat of parasite infections.

Citations:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1954314/#:~:text=The%20studies%20summarized%20in%20this,autoimmune%20reactivity%20by%20several%20mechanisms.
2. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/resources/pdf/npi_factsheet.pdf