by Denice Moffat | Parasitology Section
Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm, is from one to several meters in length and is able to produce two diseases in the human, the taeniosis and cysticercosis. The taeniosis (intestinal form) is an exclusive disease of humans, often asymptomatic, and can perhaps maintain the infection for years. The main clinical manifestation is the frequent spontaneous elimination of proglottids in the feces. Approximately 5% to 40% of people with taeniosis develop into cysticercosis, confirming the fecal-oral contamination and infections of people associated with them.
by Denice Moffat | Parasitology Section
Trichinella larvae are passed to humans and other animals by eating meat that has been improperly cooked. The larvae penetrate the stomach and intestines and find a resting spot as they embed within the muscles. I had a couple cases of this in some forestry employees. Someone shot a cougar and made jerky out of it and shared it with their entire office. Five people came down with the disease. Very painful. It can also be passed by the meat of pork, bear, seals, rats, dog, cats and many other wild animals.
by Denice Moffat | Parasitology Section
Symptoms include: fever, cough, skin rash diarrhea, vomiting, pneumonitis and general icky feeling. With eye involvement there may be retinoblastoma, strabismus and blindness.
by Denice Moffat | Parasitology Section
Thelaziasis is caused from Thelazia species of roundworms. This one likes the eyes. Flies feed on lacrimal secretions and inadvertently act as vectors in transferring the larvae into the eye. Symptoms include conjunctivitis (pinkeye) photophobia (sun sensitivity) and tearing. Corneal scarring can happen with chronic infection. You can actually see the worm move across the visual field.
by Denice Moffat | Parasitology Section
Common animals that act as host to this species include humans, dogs, foxes, cats, primates, rodents, horses and raccoons. A fecal sample is necessary to identify the eggs. Symptoms are not that evident, but can include itching at the point of entry, coughing, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, straining to defecate and weight loss. This is a common cause of colic in horses and one main reason why horse owners should worm their horses as least every quarter.
by Denice Moffat | Parasitology Section
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharziasis, swimmer’s itch or snail fever, is caused by the larvae of blood flukes known as schistosomes. Direct contact with fresh water infested with the free-living form of the parasite known as cercariae. The building of dams, irrigation systems, and reservoirs, and the movements of refugee groups introduce and spread schistosomiasis. Eggs are excreted in human urine and feces and, in areas with poor sanitation, contaminate freshwater sources.
