Parasitology Section

*Intro. to Parasitology

The connection between parasites and health problems is very strong. This concept is very accepted in third world countries but ignored in developed countries. Why? And with as many outdated water-treatment systems, international travel, imported food and use of massive amounts of antibiotics, our bodies are very susceptible to parasites. I read one resource that stated that as many as 73% of people struggle with symptoms caused by parasites that lead to weight gain. As a veterinarian, I’ve found that parasites are very common and I recommend routine worming once or twice a year to keep my animal patients (and myself) healthy.

External Parasite-Chiggers

I often see chiggers as an external parasite that is really, really itchy. The term chigger is a common name for the six-legged larva of any of several blood-sucking mites. Chiggers normally feed on the blood of animal hosts such as birds, reptiles, and small mammals, but they also bite humans. People who go hiking, camping, or simply playing in the backyard or park can pick up a case of chiggers. Chiggers cause tiny red itchy bumps on the skin. These bites can be differentiated from flea bites because flea bites usually make a tight grouping of 3-5 bites.

External Parasite-Lice

The majority of infestations are asymptomatic. When symptoms are noted they may include a tickling feeling of something moving in the hair, itching, caused by an allergic reaction to louse saliva, and irritability. Secondary bacterial infection may be a complication.

External Parasite-Mange and Scabies

Mange is NOT passed from animals to humans and neither are human head or public lice. Each animal has its own species of lice that likes to just stay on that particular species. For example, chicken lice love the fact that a chicken’s body temperature is about 105 degrees. So, if they would get onto a human, it would be too cold for them.

Flea Control

AN EFFECTIVE FLEA CONTROL PROGRAM MUST INCLUDE ALL ANIMALS IN THE HOUSEHOLD AND THE ENTIRE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THE ANIMALS LIVE (INCLUDING YOUR CAR). Many people only use one product at a time, which is NOT effective. You must treat the animal, the house, and the yard all at one time to get this challenge under control.

Flukes (Trematodes) Introduction

The immature eggs are discharged from human feces and reach fresh water, hatching after 3-7 weeks and forming miracidia. Upon contact with host snails, the miracidia penetrate the soft tissues and form sporocysts, first- and second-generation rediae, and, lastly, cercariae. The cercariae encyst on various plants such as water caltrop, water chestnut, lotus (on the roots), water bamboo, and other aquatic vegetables. Humans are infected by consuming these raw vegetables. In the human duodenum, the metacercariae attach to the walls and become adult worms in approximately 3 months.

Fungus-Ringworm

Keeping the area scrubbed removes the fungal food source (the dead skin cells) and applying iodine to it can help. I usually dispense a Chlorhexiderm shampoo which you can also purchase at most pharmacies these days. Also keeping your immune system and that of your pet healthy with good high-quality foods helps immensely.

Intestinal Parasites | intestinal parasite

Signs of roundworms include, fevers, cough, wheezing, stomach problems, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramping, appendicitis, gas, bloating, increased cramping (menstrual), heart palpitations, pain in the lower right quadrant that comes and goes (spasms in the ileocecal valve), itchy anus’, dry lusterless hair with split ends, pica appetite (often for sugar), clear mucous strands in the stool (yes you should be looking at it each time you go!

Parasite Deworming Agents

Common allopathic prescription dewormers and what they are used for.

Protozoa

There are many protozoal parasites out there that are transferred to humans mostly through fecal contaminated water. Yet another great reason to have a reverse osmosis water system. Here’s the list. Links direct you to more specifics. I’ve tried to focus on the most important and pertinent ones for North America and Europe for now. I’ll fill in the blanks as I have time.

Natural Health Techniques