parasites in the human body
Parasites in the Human Body
A parasite is an organism that lives on/in an animal or plant and derives its nutrition from the body it is attached to. Parasites also attack human hosts and such a biological invasion is responsible for many diseases. Read on to know more.
- Tapeworm: These are notorious for growing as long as even 30 feet. They are capable of producing approximately one million eggs per day. Tapeworms can be responsible for obesity in humans. A human being infested with this parasite is always hungry, as these organisms feed on the food, leaving no nutrients for the human they are feasting upon. These enter the body from raw, infected meat. A variety of tapeworms are also said to cause seizures if they reach the brain.
- Pinworms: These are intestinal parasites. Pinworm infestation is difficult to avoid, as their eggs are airborne. These parasites crawl out of the anal cavity at night, causing severe itching. They usually lay their eggs on the bedding.
- Hookworm: 50% of the population worldwide is infested with hookworms. These parasites are curved in shape and align themselves to the intestinal wall to suck blood. They are about six inches in length and grayish in color.
- Red Worms: Red worms are similar to earthworms in appearance. They come out from the colon, curled into balls.
- Roundworms: These worms secrete a digestive liquid due to which the colon tissue is converted into a liquid form, which is sucked up by these parasites.
- Tooth Amoeba: Although the name of this parasite has amoeba in it, they are actually parasites, albeit relatively harmless. They make tooth cavities their homes and live on microscopic food lodged in the mouth and clean your mouth. It is very difficult to remove them while brushing, as they run for cover when they spot a toothbrush.
- Dust Mites: Dust mites can cause allergies in some cases, but they are harmless creatures per se. These parasites clean up the skin and scalp by eating dead cells.