Parasitic disease

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A parasitic disease, also known as parasitosis, is an infectious disease caused
by parasites.[citation needed] Parasites are organisms which derive sustenance from
its host while causing it harm.[1] The study of parasites and parasitic diseases is known
as parasitology.[2] Medical parasitology is concerned with three major groups of
parasites: parasitic protozoa, helminths, and parasitic arthropods.[1] Parasitic diseases are
thus considered those diseases that are caused by pathogens belonging taxonomically to
either the animal kingdom, or the protozoan kingdom.[3]

Parasitic disease

Other names parasitosis, parasitic infection

False-color electron micrograph of
a Plasmodium sporozoite

Specialty Infectious disease

TerminologyEdit
Although organisms such as bacteria function as parasites, the usage of the term "parasitic
disease" is usually more restricted. The three main types of organisms causing these
conditions are protozoa (causing protozoan infection), helminths (helminthiasis),
and ectoparasites.[4] Protozoa and helminths are usually endoparasites (usually living
inside the body of the host), while ectoparasites usually live on the surface of the host.
Protozoa are single-celled, microscopic organisms that belong to the kingdom Protista.
Helminths on the other hand are macroscopic, multicellular organisms that belong to the
kingdom Animalia. Protozoans obtain their required nutrients through pinocytosis and
phagocytosis. Helminths of class Cestoidea and Trematoda absorb nutrients, whereas
nematodes obtain needed nourishment through ingestion.[3] Occasionally the definition of
"parasitic disease" is restricted to diseases due to endoparasites. [5]
TransmissionEdit
See also:  List of human parasitic diseases
Mammals can get parasites from contaminated food or water, bug bites, sexual contact,
[6] or contact with animals.
Some ways in which people may acquire parasitic infections are walking barefoot,
inadequate disposal of feces, lack of hygiene, close contact with someone carrying
specific parasites, and eating undercooked foods, unwashed fruits and vegetables or foods
from contaminated regions.[citation needed]
TreatmentEdit
Parasitic infections can usually be treated with antiparasitic drugs.[citation needed] The use of
viruses to treat infections caused by protozoa has been proposed.[7][8