Parasites are organisms that live on or inside a host, deriving nutrients at the host's expense. There are several types of parasites that can infect humans, categorized mainly into three groups:
- Protozoa - These are microscopic, single-celled organisms that can multiply within the human body. Common protozoan parasites include Plasmodium (responsible for malaria) and Giardia lamblia, which causes giardiasis, a diarrheal illness.
- Helminths - These are larger, multicellular organisms, often visible to the naked eye in their adult stages. Examples include roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes, which can infect various parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract and organs.
- Ectoparasites - These parasites live on the exterior of the host, such as the skin. Notable examples include lice, mites, ticks, and fleas. Ectoparasites not only cause discomfort but can also transmit diseases, such as Lyme disease, through tick bites.
Proper hygiene, preventive measures, and timely medical intervention are crucial to managing and preventing parasitic infections.
