The simplest parasites: types, how they are dangerous, prevention

It is necessary to start with the fact that the simplest organisms appeared a very long time ago, they are considered the most ancient inhabitants of the planet. Over the entire period of their existence, they have become incredibly resistant to various tests. They can survive even in the most dangerous environment.

These microorganisms have chosen a very convenient way of existence for themselves - parasitism, in particular in the human body. As mentioned earlier, these microorganisms are incredibly "harmful" and persistent, so sometimes it is so difficult to get rid of them.

There are several types of parasite "residence". The first type includes endogenous microorganisms, that is, those that are inside the human body. The second type includes exogenous parasites that readily "settled" on the skin and cause various skin diseases.

Types of protozoan parasites

Basically, there are 4 types of parasites that "live well" in the human body.

Flagellate

These include lamblia, trypanosomes. This class is a representative of the most ancient representatives of parasites. They got this name thanks to their organ of movement: flagella. The size of the parasites themselves is simply microscopic, they have a constant shape, and reproduce, as a rule, by dividing into two parts.

the simplest parasites of lamblia in the human body

They are very dangerous for humans and animals, if they get into their body, they cause enormous harm. They also cause various diseases. Such as American carotid fever, cutaneous leishmaniasis, and many others. They can parasitize in the intestines, in the blood, and on the skin. Thus, negatively affecting human health.

Sporozoans

This type of protozoan parasite has a very complex path of development. The class is currently known to contain approximately 1400 species. All representatives "choose" a parasitic way of life and are extremely dangerous for humans and animals. Reproduction occurs by cell division.

protozoan parasites

Most often, tissues and organs of a person or animal are chosen as a "place of residence". This species causes many diseases. For example, such as malaria, toxoplasmosis.

Ciliates

These include balantidia. There are about 7000 different species. The organs of movement of these parasites are cilia, of which there are a lot.

protozoan parasites of balantidia

A feature of this type is the presence of two nuclei. They have a constant body shape and shell. Reproduction is usually carried out by division. This species is no less dangerous for humans and animals than the previous two.

Sarcode

These include dysentery amoeba. They are the most primitive of all types and classes. There are about 10, 000 different species! They do not have a permanent body shape. Parasitizes in humans and animals.

protozoan parasite dysentery amoeba

Most often, they choose the digestive system for their activities. Because of them, very serious poisoning can occur in a person. In some cases, deaths are also common.

These types combine high resistance to various "tests". After all, an infected person constantly tries to fight parasites, but it does not always work out because of how much they can withstand all measures.

Why are they dangerous, what diseases they cause

The simplest parasites are indeed very dangerous to human health. They can cause various diseases that have certain consequences. In no case should you underestimate the simplest parasites, because they can significantly harm a person.

Diseases caused by protozoan parasites:

Malaria

For such a disease, certain differences are characteristic. Sometimes there is relief, then relief is replaced by worsening symptoms. The main symptoms are headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, convulsions.

mosquito vector of protozoan parasites and malaria

For many years, chitin has been considered the best treatment. However, there are also deaths from this disease most often where medicine is developed at a low level.

Amebiasis

Another no less dangerous disease, the consequences of which can also be sad. The causative agent is dysentery amoeba.

Symptoms begin to appear 7 to 10 days after infection. These include headache, general malaise, fever, and some people may have an upset stomach. This is followed by complications, which are expressed in liver problems. If the patient does not start treatment on time and does not go to a specialist, then the consequences will be irreversible.

Toxoplasmosis

The causative agent of the disease is the Toxoplasma of Gondia. Symptoms of this disease include eye damage, the nervous system suffers, as well as the cardiovascular system. Very often, at first, the infection is unremarkable, as if an ordinary cold passes.

protozoan parasite toxoplasma gondii the causative agent of toxoplasmosis

Infection during pregnancy is very dangerous. Even if the child survives, it is most likely with complications and damage to the eyes or nervous system. Thus, even with the first symptoms, it is imperative to consult a doctor.

Balantidiasis

It is caused by a microorganism such as balantidia. Symptoms of this disease are abdominal pain, indigestion. In some cases, a high temperature, intoxication of the body is also possible.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmania is considered the causative agent of this disease. With skin and mucocutaneous manifestations, ulcers appear. With mucocutaneous manifestation, edema can often occur. Since these diseases are associated with the respiratory tract, there may be deaths.

Leishmaniasis is mainly found in hot countries. This disease is quite common and occurs in 87 countries.

As you can see, the simplest parasites are incredibly dangerous to human health, despite the simple structure of microorganisms. They can cause irreparable harm to the human body, as well as entail certain consequences and complications.

How are they transmitted

There are 4 most common ways of infection:

  1. Contact - household. . . This type is manifested due to violation of sanitary measures or hygiene rules. Infection can occur from various activities: the use of other people's things, especially personal hygiene products, dishes, and the like. Therefore, it is very important to follow the rules of personal hygiene, have your own personal care products and in no case should you use someone else's.
  2. Fecal - oral. . . This type occurs as a result of contact with feces or vomit. The simplest parasite first enters the hands or food of the "new host", and then into his body.
  3. From food. . . This type manifests itself as a result of eating contaminated foods. It can be poorly cooked fish or meat, unwashed vegetables and fruits, dairy products.
  4. Transmissible. . . This type occurs as a result of transmission from an infected object during a bite, that is, through the secretion of saliva.

How to get rid of them

After reading the article, this question certainly arises. Infections with the simplest parasites are very common, so the question of getting rid of them is incredibly relevant.

As mentioned earlier, when the first symptoms of infection appear, you should consult a doctor. The specialist can prescribe certain tests and examinations. After passing them, the doctor will make an accurate diagnosis. After that, you need to urgently proceed to treatment. It is also not recommended to self-medicate, because it is a professional who is able to help make the correct diagnosis and prescribe a suitable treatment. In most cases, doctors resort to treatment with various drugs that help eliminate parasites and speed up human recovery.

In modern times, there are many different good drugs that help with infections with protozoan parasites. There is a huge variety of medicines on the market, which makes it possible to find the right one for a particular patient.

Preventive measures

In order not to face the above problems, it is imperative to adhere to certain rules, as well as take preventive measures.

The most effective rules are those taught by children in school. First of all, you should not forget about thorough washing of fruits and vegetables. You can also heat treatment or cut the skin.

Further, you cannot eat raw fish, not fully cooked meat. It is imperative to completely prepare the dish, observe the temperature regime and time, in order to fully cook the product. Casual sex should be avoided. And you also need to undergo regular medical examinations.