Diseases Caused by Parasites

Question 1

Amebiasis

Answer 1

Caused by Entamoeba histolytica common in tropical areas with poor sanitation, is difficult to diagnosis.

Question 2

Anisakiasis

Answer 2

Caused by Anisakid nematodes which invades the stomach wall or intestine of humans after the consumption of contaminated fish or squid.

Question 3

Ascariasis

Answer 3

Caused by Ascaris lumbricoides (intestinal roundworm). Is contracted when raw produce with contaminated dirt on it is consumed. Symptoms: abdominal discomfort, intestinal blockage, stunted growth in children, and coughing.

Question 4

Cryptosporidiosis

Answer 4

Caused by Cryptosporidium. Contracted by consuming or swimming in contaminated water. One of the most frequent causes of water born disease in the US.

Question 5

Cyclosporiasis

Answer 5

Caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis. Infection through consumption of contaminated food or water.

Question 6

Cystoisosporiasis (ie isosporiasis)

Answer 6

Caused by Cystoisospora belli (ie Isospora belli). Most commonly contracted in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The parasite can be spread by ingesting contaminated food or water. The most common symptom is watery diarrhea.

Question 7

Tapeworm

Answer 7

Scientific name is Diphyllobothrium latum. Most infections are asymptomatic, complications include intestinal obstruction and gall bladder disease caused by migration of proglottids. Diphyllobothrium infections are acquired by eating raw or undercooked fish, usually from the Northern Hemisphere. Adequately freezing or cooking fish will kill the parasite.

Question 8

Giardiasis

Answer 8

Is a diarrheal illness caused by Giardia. Is tolerant to chlorine disinfection, and most commonly contracted from swimming in or drinking contaminated water.

Question 9

Toxoplasmosis

Answer 9

Caused by Toxoplasma. Is considered a leading cause of death attributed to foodborne illness in the United States, but only among pregnant women and the immunocomprimised. A lot of people have it but only very few have symptoms because the immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness.

Question 10

Neglected Parasitic Infections

Answer 10

A group of five parasitic diseases that have been targeted by the CDC for public health action. Chagas disease, cysticercosis, toxocariasis, toxoplasmosis, and trichomoniasis.

Question 11

Trichinellosis (ie trichinosis)

Answer 11

Caused by Trichinella. Contracted by eating raw or undercooked meat from infected animals.