It is common to refer to parasitic protozoan microorganisms those parasites that are constantly found in the human body and feed on its "juices". They have nothing to do with worms, but some monocyte parasites can grow to large sizes.
They are completely independent organisms, although they have lost the digestive gap caused by their way of life.
Pest lessons
Representatives of various organizations can be classified as follows:
- Sarcode- negroes and amoebae.
- spores- Toxoplasma Plasmodium.
- eyelashes- balantidium
- Whips- Leishmania, Trichomonas, Trypanosomes and Giardia.
These organisms are one of the first simple organisms to appear on the planet. Their basic structure and functional functions can cause the development of deadly diseases. The list contains common representatives of protozoan parasites, but there are many more.
Effect on the body
Although these parasites are called protozoa, they have a very negative effect on the human body, causing serious diseases.
Sarcode
dysenteric amoeba (Entamoedahistolytica).The parasite is more common in warm countries. Characteristic is the absence of skeletal and shell formations. It has legs to move. It can form cysts in the human body.
It often causes an amoeba when the intestinal wall is affected. A person has loose stools with blood. Diagnosis of such an amoeba is quite difficult. It is a very dangerous parasite.
Negleria Fowler.Man is the intermediate host. The site of the parasite is usually the brain.
It causes amoebic meningoencephalitis, which is often fatal.
Whips
Trichomonas (Trichomonasvaginalis).The disease occurs in men with almost no symptoms, only in the form of transmission. In women, it manifests itself with strong signs of inflammation: abundant secretion with an unpleasant odor, itching and pain in the lower abdomen.
This simple parasite is usually transmitted sexually, but it also occurs through household contact. Infected women can infect their baby during childbirth.
Giardia.These microorganisms parasitize the gastrointestinal tract. The effect on the body consists of cystic transmission for many years, but the disease progresses to a mild form. It rarely becomes chronic. By the way, they are not afraid of toxic substances and ultraviolet radiation.
spores
Leishmania (Leisansspp).This species is found in almost all human organs and eventually destroys them. Causes a serious disease - visceral leishmaniasis. In their habitat, an open ulcer forms, which rots constantly. It is difficult to treat and often requires surgery.
Plasma malaria.It is found in blood plasma, erythrocytes and liver cells. What 's worse is that these simple organisms destroy red blood cells. Leads to tropical and multi-day malaria. It can seriously damage the kidneys and damage the nervous system.
Toxoplasma.It affects the lymph nodes and the small intestine. Toxoplasmosis often develops, which is very dangerous for pregnant women. In the early stages of the infection, it mimics a viral infection.
eyelashes
Intestinal warts (Balantidiumcoli).It usually affects the large intestine, especially the cecum. This is a fairly large single-celled organism that is easily introduced into the bloodstream.
They do not cause much damage to the body, but ulcers can appear in the intestines.
Symptoms and diseases caused by protozoan parasites
Currently, a number of pathogens have been discovered that cause the following diseases:
- Γιαρδιάση.
- Malaria.
- Leishmaniasis.
- Hair unit.
- Cryptosporidation.
- Valandidiasis.
dysenteric amoeba
Infection occurs through food and household items.
Symptoms that occur with a mild course of the disease:
- Inflation.
- Pain with cramps in the abdomen.
- Constipation is replaced by diarrhea.
The average severity of the course of the disease:
- The symptoms increase within 10 days.
- There is weakness and loss of appetite.
- Mucous feces with blood.
- Plenty of stools.
When the disease becomes chronic, the weight decreases sharply.
Pathologies caused by this parasite:
- Peritonitis.
- Remunerated appendicitis.
- Dysentery.
- Abscesses of the lungs and liver.
- Extremely rare amoebic hepatitis and brain abscess.
- Cutaneous amoebiasis with the development of ulcers and erosions.
With a lightning course of the disease, even a fatal outcome is possible in debilitated individuals.
Naegleria fowleri (Naegleria fowleri)
You can be infected by this parasite when swimming in a lake as well as by air.
The disease always begins with the onset of acute symptoms:
- Loss of smell and sense of taste.
- Headaches and weakness.
- Nausea and urge to vomit.
- Loss of movement coordination.
- Pulmonary edema may develop.
- Hallucinations and convulsions.
It is very difficult to diagnose the disease, so it often results in the death of the patient.
Negleria causes the following pathologies:
- Meningoencephalitis fee.
- Neglerosis.
- Destroys the brain.
- A person often falls into a coma.
Infection is often fatal.
lamp
Diseases occur without severe symptoms. The infection is transmitted by unwashed fruits and dirty hands.
Typical symptoms:
- Increased salivation.
- Abdominal discomfort.
- Loss of appetite and nausea.
Sometimes there is a green stool with foam and a strong smell.
Diseases caused: diarrhea and various intestinal dysfunctions.
Leishmania
The infestation is caused by mosquitoes.
It presents with severe symptoms:
- Enlargement of the spleen and liver.
- High temperature rise.
- Feverish conditions.
- Weakness and paleness of the skin.
- Bleeding on the skin.
- Problem with heart activity.
- Anemia and severe weight loss.
Swelling and pneumonia can sometimes occur.
This parasite leads to cachexia, decreased muscle tone, impotence and heart failure.
Trichomonas
The infection occurs with items of prostitution and hygiene. Symptoms are usually absent, but sometimes they appear.
For men:
Discomfort when urinating.
- There is blood in the semen.
- White rejection.
Among women:inflammation of the cervix and vagina.
The infection is very dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause premature birth.
Plasma malaria
Mosquito bites lead to infection.
Plasmodium vivax.The symptoms depend on the stage of the disease:
- Chills for up to 3 hours - muscle and joint pain, liver pain.
- Fever for about 12 hours - temperature up to 40 degrees, decreased pressure, shortness of breath and tachycardia.
- Intense sweating stage - a sharp drop in temperature with the release of sweat, muscle weakness and hypotension.
Three-day malaria may develop and spontaneous recovery may occur. There may be swollen spleen, anemia and sometimes jaundice.
Plasmodium malaria.There are febrile seizures in the morning and in the evening. There are also signs of three-day malaria. It can cause the development of nephrotic syndrome, which is difficult to treat.
Plasmodium oval.Fever attacks only come at night. The disease progresses quite easily, but the liver may grow slightly.
Toxoplasma
The ways of infection are quite extensive. You can become infected with undercooked meat, dirty products, blood transfusions and skin cuts. By the way, the infection of a pregnant woman is often transmitted to the fetus.
In the presence of an acute form of the disease, the following symptoms appear:
- Obvious swelling of the liver and spleen.
- Signs of jaundice.
- Skin rash.
- Symptoms typical of meningitis and encephalitis.
- The lymph nodes are enlarged.
In chronic form:
- High temperature for a long time.
- Muscle and bone pain.
- In women, the menstrual cycle is disrupted.
- There is a headache and irritability.
In addition, there may be thyroid problems and adrenal insufficiency.
Infection with parasites of this category threatens the occurrence of many diseases:
- Oligophrenia.
- Toxoplasmosis.
- epileptic seizures.
- Inflammation of the retina.
- hepatic syndrome.
Rarely, but still, there is sclerosis of the lymph nodes.
Balantidia intestinal
You can catch the parasite through boiling water, dirty hands and fruit.
Signs of infection:
- Prolonged diarrhea, with pus and blood.
- Abdominal pain syndrome.
Balantidia leads to the development of peritonitis, organ abscesses and perforation of the intestinal wall.
conclusion
Protozoan infection is very similar to viral infection. By definition, they are not considered worms, although they cause great harm to human health.
Infection with protozoan parasites can lead to death, so when typical symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention immediately. Self-medication is strictly forbidden.