List of parasites (human)

List of Parasites (Human)

Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism (the host) and benefit by deriving nutrients at the host's expense. In humans, parasites can cause a variety of diseases, ranging from minor discomfort to serious conditions. This article provides a comprehensive list of parasites known to infect humans, categorized by the type of organism.

Protozoa

Protozoa are microscopic, single-celled organisms that can be free-living or parasitic. They can multiply in humans, contributing to their survival and the severity of the diseases they cause.

• Plasmodium falciparum - Causes malaria, transmitted by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
• Giardia lamblia - Causes giardiasis, a diarrheal illness, transmitted through contaminated water.
• Trypanosoma brucei - Causes sleeping sickness, transmitted by the tsetse fly.
• Entamoeba histolytica - Causes amoebiasis, transmitted through contaminated food and water.

Helminths

Helminths are large, multicellular organisms, which are generally visible to the naked eye in their adult stages. They include flatworms, thorny-headed worms, and roundworms.

Flatworms (Platyhelminthes)

• Schistosoma spp. - Causes schistosomiasis, transmitted through contact with contaminated freshwater.
• Taenia solium (Pork tapeworm) - Causes taeniasis and cysticercosis, transmitted through undercooked pork.

Thorny-headed worms (Acanthocephala)

• Rare in humans and not typically a significant health concern.

Roundworms (Nematoda)

• Ascaris lumbricoides - Causes ascariasis, transmitted through contaminated food.
• Enterobius vermicularis (Pinworm) - Causes enterobiasis, common in children and transmitted through direct contact with infected fecal matter.

Ectoparasites

Ectoparasites live on the surface of the host. They include lice, fleas, and ticks, which can transmit diseases to humans.

• Pediculus humanus capitis (Head louse) - Causes pediculosis capitis, transmitted through direct contact.
• Sarcoptes scabiei (Scabies mite) - Causes scabies, transmitted through close personal contact.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention of parasitic infections involves proper hygiene, sanitation, and avoiding sources of infection (e.g., untreated water, undercooked meat). Treatment varies depending on the parasite and may include antiparasitic medications and supportive care.

See Also

• Infectious diseases
• Tropical medicine
• Parasitology