By definition, a parasite is an organism that infects and mostly harms another living organism for survival. In addition, the infested organism is used for its own reproductive purposes.
What are parasites?
Numerous infectious diseases are caused by parasites. Among other things, malaria disease can be traced to a previous parasite infestation. Insofar as a body is infested with parasites, there can be a significant impairment in terms of the function of individual organs. Basically, a parasite feeds on the cells of its host and thus deprives it of vital nutrients. In modern medicine, parasites are differentiated with regard to their habitats. For example, the parasites that reside in the organism of the affected person are called endoparasites. On the other hand, the parasites are called ectoparasites if they reside outside the body. For example, the endoparasites are particularly often found in the blood or intestines of the affected person. The ectoparasites find a suitable habitat in the hair of the affected persons as well as on their skin. However, parasites do not only infest the human body. Thus, the organism of animals can also suffer significant damage from an infestation of parasites.
Significance and function
Basically, parasites enjoy a relatively low reputation in modern society. For a long time, only the potential risks of parasite infestation were subjected to closer scrutiny. However, leading scientists have now recognized the benefits of parasites. The potential benefits of parasites can be seen particularly clearly in the example of tapeworms. In a recent study, more than 16 white-cheeked sharks were autopsied. During the autopsy, the tapeworms were removed from the sharks. Surprisingly, the scientists were able to detect a particularly high concentration of toxic heavy metals in the tissue of the tapeworms. In contrast, only a low concentration of cadmium and lead was detected in the sharks’ tissues. However, the parasites do not only perform their useful services in the organisms of animals. John Turton, for example, dared a breathtaking self-experiment as early as 1970. Suffering from numerous allergies, John Turton infected himself with a particularly aggressive type of tapeworm. According to his theories, the number of allergic reactions should be significantly reduced by the activity of the parasites. Just two years later, John Turton reported his groundbreaking successes in a medical journal. By that time, the scientist was already free of allergies.
Diseases
In addition to the potential benefits of parasites, it is the potential risks that should be given closer consideration. For example, numerous infectious diseases are caused by parasites. Among other things, malaria disease can be traced to a previous parasite infestation. Depending on the type of parasite, different symptoms may appear. Since a large number of parasites are ingested orally, the intestine in particular is one of the organs most at risk. Following their path through the body, the parasites penetrate the walls of the small intestine. Thus, they can spread unhindered in the lymphatic vessels as well as in the blood vessels. As the disease progresses, numerous organs are affected by the parasites. Other organs at risk include the lungs and the liver. The tissue of the individual organs is often completely destroyed. Inflammation of the small intestine is often the first sign of parasite infestation. Not infrequently, the parasite infestation is accompanied by bloody excretions. As a result of an inadequate extraction of nutrients, a significant weight loss becomes visible in the affected persons. The individual parasite species pose a particular danger, especially for pregnant women. In several cases, the parasites have already been able to disable the various protective mechanisms of the placenta. This resulted in cerebral disorders in the unborn babies. Among the less severe consequences of the cerebral disorders is a disturbance of the central language center. In particularly severe cases, the cerebral disorders are accompanied by a relatively high increase in pressure in the brain.Unless the baby’s skull is opened immediately after birth, the parasite can noticeably impair vital functions.
Typical and common diseases
- Malaria
- Lice infestation (pediculosis)
- Pinworms
- Roundworms
- Tapeworm
- Trichomoniasis (trichomonad infection)
- Toxoplasmosis
