There are three main types of parasites that can make people sick. Protozoa and helminths cause people to have gastrointestinal issues and diseases. They are primarily spread from fecal-oral transmission. They can also invade red blood cells and cause serious damage. The other type of parasite is an ectoparasite that can burrow or attach to the skin and stay there. They can include mites that can cause scabies or even head lice and ticks that can feed off the person’s blood.
Key Takeaways:
- The three main types of parasites–protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites–can affect the gut or even burrow into the skin.
- While some parasites are not detected for a long time due to vague or no symptoms, there are treatments available that are very effective.
- Parasites can vary in how dangerous they are; some do not cause any problems while others cause mild illness or even severe disease.
“When parasites invade the red blood cells or organs, the consequences can become more serious.”
Read more: http://theconversation.com/what-are-parasites-and-how-do-they-make-us-sick-121489
