host

Parasites are specifically looking for one host for propagation. As a rule, the host feeds the parasites, but does not die in the process. Nevertheless, unpleasant complaints arise that make treatment necessary.

What is a host?

The goal of a parasite or pathogen is to increase its population. The host offers optimal conditions for this, such as sufficient food and shelter.

There are different types of host. The main host is the type that offers the pathogen the best conditions. Accordingly, a parasite strives to reach such a host. The secondary host also offers appropriate living conditions. However, these are worse than those of the main host, so a parasite can develop worse. If there is a false host, there is no chance of survival. Depending on the parasite, there may be a change of host.

The host where sexual reproduction takes place is called the ultimate host. In the intermediate host, the parasite reproduces asexually. The transport host transmits the parasite. He himself is not infected. The pathogen can develop in the casual host, but it still prefers another host, so that the casual host is rarely infected.

Not only tapeworms and mosquitoes are called parasites. Bacteria, viruses and fungi also multiply in this way and reach other hosts in different ways.

Occurrence, Distribution & Properties

The way in which a host is infected depends on the particular pathogen. Bacteria in particular are often passed on through a smear or droplet infection. In the case of smear infection, the infection can also occur when a sick person is not present. Instead, the infection occurs via surfaces that are contaminated with the pathogens. For example, when you touch a door handle, the germs move on. Contaminated drinking water can also play a role.

In the context of direct infection, the germs migrate on through physical contact between humans or humans and animals - for example by shaking hands.

In the case of a smear infection, the bacteria can be passed on mainly due to poor hygiene. Most pathogens are excreted in the stool. Unwashed hands after using the toilet can spread the bacteria.

The droplet infection, however, occurs via secretion droplets. These leak out of the airways and thus infect people who are nearby. An unprotected cough, sneeze or snort can spread the bacteria in the room.

Tapeworms, on the other hand, get into the gastrointestinal tract through contaminated food. This includes, above all, fruit and vegetables that have not been washed and meat that has not been sufficiently cooked. Mosquitoes transmit various parasites, especially in tropical regions. Although humans only serve as intermediate hosts in malaria, for example, the infection triggers severe symptoms.

Meaning & function

A parasite usually does not kill its host. In this way he would deprive himself of his own livelihood. Instead, it uses the organism to reproduce, develop and spread. Nevertheless, there are health disadvantages for the host. Some of these become noticeable relatively quickly, while in other cases they remain undetected for a long time. The extent to which the health of the person concerned is attacked depends largely on the underlying pathogen.

Even in early childhood, humans serve as hosts for the various pathogens. These include, for example, bacteria and viruses that cause colds or gastrointestinal complaints. A strong immune system can usually banish the intruders independently within a shorter period of time. If the body does not succeed in such a procedure, antibiotics or drugs, for example, which promote the coughing up of mucus, help with a bacterial disease.

On the other hand, other parasites that the affected person use as host are less harmless. For example, malaria cannot be destroyed by the body's defenses. The pathogens are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The parasite then attacks the red blood cells and multiplies in them. During typical fever attacks, the blood cells burst, allowing the parasites to spread and multiply. If left untreated, malaria can be fatal. It is therefore important that a doctor is consulted at the first sign.

Illnesses & ailments

Some of the parasites can cause complications. For example, roundworms cause fever and asthma-like symptoms as soon as they approach the lungs. Those affected suffer from abdominal pain in the intestinal area. Sometimes the intestines or bile ducts become blocked due to worm infestation. Such a phenomenon results in other complaints, such as colicky abdominal pain, increased gas accumulation and a lack of bowel movements.

Trichinae, on the other hand, are initially noticeable through nausea, vomiting or watery diarrhea. However, they can also spread into the muscles, which can lead to heart muscle inflammation. The beef and pork tapeworm can get lost in the appendix or pancreas and cause inflammation here, with a sometimes severe course. By ingesting tapeworm eggs, the pathogens multiply in the intestines, blood vessels, muscles and organs. Cysticercosis may develop. This in turn results in blindness in some patients.

Complications are also possible as part of a bacterial infection that leads to symptoms of a cold. These usually occur more frequently when the disease is not cured sufficiently. Especially in children, the pathogens can migrate into the ear and become noticeable there through an otitis media.