At a parasite According to the definition, it is an organism that attacks and mostly harms another living being in order to survive. In addition, the infected organism is used for its own reproduction purposes.
What are parasites?
Unless a body of Parasites is affected, the function of individual organs can be significantly impaired. Basically, a parasite feeds on the cells of its host and thus deprives it of vital nutrients.
In modern medicine, the parasites are differentiated according to their habitats. The parasites, which can be found in the organism of those affected, are called endoparasites. In contrast, the parasites are referred to as ectoparasites, provided they are outside the body.
For example, endoparasites are particularly common in the blood or intestines of those affected. The ectoparasites find a suitable habitat in the hair of those affected as well as on their skin. However, parasites do not only affect the human body. An infestation with parasites can also cause considerable damage to the organism of animals.
Meaning & function
Basically enjoy Parasites a relatively low standing in modern society. For a long time, only the potential risks of parasite infestation were examined more closely. However, leading scientists have now recognized the benefits of parasites.
The potential benefits of parasites can be seen particularly clearly in the example of tapeworms. In a recent study, more than 16 white-cheeked sharks were autopsied. During the autopsy, the tapeworms were removed from the sharks. Amazingly, the scientists were able to determine a particularly high concentration of toxic heavy metals in the tissue of the tapeworm. In contrast, only a low concentration of cadmium and lead was found in the tissue of the sharks.
However, the parasites do not only do their useful service in the organisms of animals. As early as 1970, John Turton dared to make a breathtaking self-experiment. John Turton, who suffered from numerous allergies, infected himself with a particularly aggressive type of tapeworm. According to his theses, the number of allergic reactions should be significantly reduced by the activity of the parasites. Just two years later, John Turton reported on his groundbreaking successes in a medical journal. At this point the scientist was already free from allergies.
Diseases
In addition to the potential benefits of Parasites Above all, the possible risks should be examined more closely. For example, numerous infectious diseases are caused by parasites.
Among other things, malaria can be traced back to a previous parasite infestation. Depending on the type of parasite, different symptoms can appear. Since a large number of parasites are ingested orally, the intestines in particular are among the organs most at risk. After making their way through the body, the parasites penetrate the walls of the small intestine. This means that they can spread unhindered in the lymph vessels and blood vessels.
In the further course of the disease, numerous organs are attacked by the parasites. Other organs at risk include the lungs and liver. The tissue of the individual organs is often completely destroyed. Inflammation of the small intestine is often the first sign of a parasite infestation. The parasite infestation is not infrequently accompanied by bloody excretions.
As a result of inadequate extraction of nutrients, a significant weight loss is visible in those affected. The individual types of parasites represent a particular danger, especially for pregnant women. In several cases, the parasites have already been able to disable the various protective mechanisms of the placenta. As a result, the unborn babies developed cerebral disorders.
The less severe consequences of cerebral disorders include a disruption of the central language center. In particularly bad cases, the cerebral disorders are accompanied by a relatively high increase in pressure in the brain. If the baby's skull is not opened immediately after birth, the parasite can noticeably impair vital functions.
Typical & common diseases
- malaria
- Lice infestation (pediculosis)
- Pinworms
- Roundworms
- Tapeworm
- Trichomoniasis (trichomonads infection)
- Toxoplasmosis
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