ParasiteS
Most people in the United States and other developed countries know very little about parasitic infections, however, these infections are widespread and can contribute to temporary and prolonged health problems.
Parasites can be categorized into three umbrella categories including ectoparasites, helminths, and protozoa. These organisms can live on or inside the human body and may disrupt normal function by competing for nutrients, triggering inflammation, and stressing the immune system. While some parasitic infections cause obvious symptoms, others can be more subtle—contributing to fatigue, digestive issues, skin concerns, or unexplained health imbalances. Understanding parasites is an important step in identifying root causes and supporting whole-body wellness.
Are Parasites Common?
BioMed Research International reported the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in human study participants to be 46.3%. This did not include further parasitic infections outside of the gastrointestinal tract. It is estimated that more than 12% of Americans are carriers of one specific species of parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which is commonly passed along from pet cats. Increasing exposure to toxins in our environment can worsen the parasite problem by weakening the body’s natural defense mechanisms and allowing for easier invasion by parasites. Parasites may be the underlying trigger for a variety of chronic health conditions, like autoimmune diseases and irritable bowel syndrome.
What Are Parasites?
Parasites are immune system invaders and are pathogens that live on or in other organisms. These critters depend on their host for nourishment and survival. Parasites range in size from microscopic to as long as 49 feet in length (i.e. tapeworms). Microscopic parasites tend to live inside cells, including fat cells and red blood cells. Larger parasites can be found in spaces between cells in the brain, muscles, lymph, gut, liver, lungs, and other organs and tissues. Some parasites are able to evade the immune system by changing the proteins on their surface so the immune system cannot recognize them as foreign organisms.
Ectoparasites
Ectoparasites are very common. These bugs attach to the outside of the body to feed on blood and/or skin tissue. Some types of ectoparasites form burrows under the skin and cause intense itching. These bugs carry pathogens such as Lyme disease, malaria, West Nile virus, babesia, and bartonella, which can be transmitted to the host. This can lead to prolonged infection, even after the parasites have been completely removed. Common types of ectoparasites are bed bugs, fleas, flies, lice, chiggers, scabies, mosquitoes, and ticks.
Helminths
Helminths is the broad term for parasitic worms that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. These parasites range in size from several feet in length to the size of a staple. Pinworms for example, are white, staple-sized worms that can be easily missed. The two main groups of helminths that cause infections in the human body are roundworms and flatworms.
Roundworms, also known as nematodes, infect various areas of the body, such as the liver, lungs, intestines, muscles, skin, and other tissues. Subtypes of roundworms include hookworms and pinworms.
Common types of roundworms (nematodes) include:
- Ancylostoma duodenale: Hookworm, infects the gut and causes anemia
- Ascaris lumbricoides: Intestinal roundworm, causes abdominal discomfort
- Enterobius vermicularis: Pinworm, infects the colon and makes the anus itch
- Necator americanus: Hookworm, infects the gut and causes anemia
- Strongyloides stercoralis: Infects the gut
- Trichinella spiralis: Can cause stomach upset and infect muscles, causing pain
- Trichuris trichiura: Whipworm, causes painful, bloody diarrhea
Flatworms
Flatworms include two common subtypes, flukes and tapeworms.
These parasites are defined by a flat shape but have varying characteristics. Flukes have a leaf-like shape and invade the liver, lungs, intestine, and blood. Tapeworms have ribbonlike, segmented bodies, and are most commonly found in the small intestine, gallbladder, and common bile duct.
Type of flukes and tapeworms include:
- Clonorchis sinensis: Liver fluke, from eating raw fish
- Schistosoma mansoni: Blood fluke, hides in the intestines and steals nutrients
- Taenia solium: Long tapeworm, from eating undercooked pork
- Taeniarhynchus saginatus: Long tapeworm, from undercooked beef
Protozoans
A microscope is needed to see these single-celled parasites. Although small, these parasites are able to multiply in humans and can cause serious health issues for the host.
What Are The Symptoms?
Symptoms of parasitic infections vary depending on the type of parasite present. These symptoms can be vague and oftentimes are incorrectly attributed to other disease processes. Some symptoms include abdominal pain, allergies, anal itching, anemia, anxiety, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, bed-wetting in children, bloating, chronic fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, fever, food sensitivities, gallbladder disease, headaches, insomnia, low blood sugar, muscle and joint pain, nausea, nutritional deficiencies, skin rashes, teeth grinding, and weight loss. Parasites tend to be nocturnal and are more active at night, which can cause a spike in these symptoms during the nighttime hours.
Types of Protozoan Parasites:
- Babesia microti: Lyme coinfection, can cause flu-like symptoms and anemia
- Blastocystis hominis: Can cause leaky gut, which can lead to food sensitivities
- Cyclospora cayetanensis: Can result in explosive bowel movements and diarrhea
- Cryptosporidium parvum: Causes watery diarrhea and other digestive upset
- Dientamoeba fragilis: Causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and appetite loss
- Entamoeba histolytica: Triggers stomach pain and loose stools, which may be bloody
- Giardia lamblia: Causes diarrhea, greasy stools that float, and upset stomach
- Leishmania tropica: Leads to skin sores, which may start as bumps
- Plasmodium falciparum: Causes malaria, characterized by flu-like symptoms
- Toxoplasma gondii: Sparks mild flu-like symptoms and enlarged lymph nodes
- Trichomonas vaginalis: Triggers burning and itching of the reproductive organs
- Trypanosoma cruzi: May lead to enlarged spleen and liver, plus abnormal heart rhythms
How Do We Get Parasites?
Parasites can be lurking in many places including food, water, on or in pets, other people, soil, lakes/oceans, and touchable surfaces. Undercooked meat and seafood is a common source of parasites. Raw fruits and vegetables can also carry parasites. Other people can pass along parasites after using the restroom and not performing appropriate handwashing. Pets can transmit parasites in their stool as well as from their fur or hair, where parasite eggs can attach. Walking barefoot outdoors can lead to parasite infection when contacting soil where parasites live. Toilets and other surfaces are common areas of exposure to pinworms that can be transmitted via contact as well as inhalation. Drinking contaminated water is a common means of exposure to parasites. Sources include lakes, streams, oceans, and swimming pools.
Testing Options
Unfortunately, these critters can be extremely difficult to test for and they are very good at avoiding detection. We currently do not have a form of testing for parasites that is 100% accurate. However, there are tests available, including blood testing, stool testing, and muscle response testing, to help practitioners identify patients at higher risk of parasitic infections. A detailed assessment of presenting symptoms and possible exposures, along with diagnostic testing, can help determine the risk of parasitic infection(s).
A Reminder
It is important to remember that even in developed countries, parasites exist all around us and are prevalent in our environment. Working with a skilled practitioner who has the appropriate tools and protocols to diagnose and eradicate parasitic infections can alleviate the associated chronic symptoms and health issues. We offer an individualized treatment plan. Schedule a New Patient Consultation.