Types of Parasites

Parasites are organisms that derive their nutrition and live in or on the host organism while causing harm to it. They not only inflict humans but can also be a cause of concern for animals. A parasitic attack in humans as well as animals can cause a number of health problems such as diarrhea, fatigue, skin rash, nervousness, asthma, anemia and more for the host. Some classic example of parasites in humans and animals include tapeworms, flukes, the Plasmodium species, and fleas. There are a range of parasites that are classified based on the interaction with the host and the life cycle.

Different Types of Parasites:

...in Humans

There are many parasites that afflict people and cause a number of infectious diseases. They can invade your body through water and food intake, the nose and skin, and through transmitting agents such as mosquitoes. As the parasites multiply, the infections can gradually spread and can even turn into epidemics.

Protozoa: Protozoa are single celled parasites that was first discovered by Anton van Leeuwenhoek. There are approximately 45,000 species of Protozoa that have approximately the same physiological functions that more complex organisms exhibit. Protozoa are found in the blood, nervous system and digestive tracts of most humans. This single celled organism has two essential parts, the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Covered with a non rigid membrane, the protozoa has its own specific form of locomotion like cilia or flagella. Some of the common types of protozoa include:

• Giardia lamblia
• Entamoeba histolytica
• Cryptosporidium
• Toxoplasma gondii

People infected with protozoa parasites may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, flush symptoms, weight loss, weakness and diarrhea.

Helminths: Roundworms, tapeworms, flukes, leeches, and other wormlike creatures are classified as helminths. While roundworms, tapeworms, flukes and hookworms in humans are endoparasites, that is, they live inside the host's body, leeches are ectoparasites that attach themselves to the outer parts of the host. One of the famous nematodes or roundworm is Trichinella spiralis which live in the muscle tissues of animals like pigs and often gets transferred to the human intestinal system, when they happen to ingest infected, undercooked pork. Some of the most common types of helminths include:

• Pinworms
• Hookworms
• Roundworms
• Tapeworms
• Liver Fluke

Arthropods: Classified as crustaceans, insects, and arachnids, arthropods are organisms with exterior skeletons and segmented bodies. While being parasites themselves, the diverse species of arthropods are also carriers of bacterial and viral diseases along with the protozoa and helminth parasites. For example mosquitoes which are classified as arthropods spread a number of diseases like malaria, yellow fever, heartworm, elephantiasis, and filariasis.

...in Dogs

Dog parasites are a common health problem afflicting our canine friends. Fleas, flies, ticks, lice, and mites as well as dog worms and other intestinal parasites are some of the most common types of parasites in puppies and older dogs primarily.

• Roundworms
• Whipworms
• Heartworms
• Tapeworms
• Hookworms
• Giardia
• Dog Fleas
• Dog Ticks
• Mites and lice

The symptoms of the parasitic infection manifested by pets will vary, depending on the type of parasitic infection, your pet's age, nutritional status, parasite load, duration of infestation, etc. For example, a dog infected with internal parasites will display symptoms like diarrhea, poor appetite, lethargy, coughing, and abdominal distention.

...in Cats

Like dogs, cats too are prone to suffering from a number of parasitic infections and diseases caused by a range of parasites. While some may cause life-threatening cat health problems, others can be treated with medications and other treatment procedures.

• Ear Mites
• Fleas
• Giardia
• Lice
• Ticks
• Intestinal cat worms (hookworms, roundworms, whip worms and tapeworms)

Infections and diseases caused by these parasites can be treated by a number of medical procedures and medications. However, the best way to avoid parasites and control the infection is by undertaking preventive measures. Sanitary conditions of water and food sources, proper cooking techniques, education about personal hygiene, and control of intermediate and vector host organisms such as your pet dogs and cats can help you eliminate the dangers posed by the different parasites.