It is customary to call parasitic protozoal microorganisms those parasites that are constantly in the human body and feed on its "juices". They have nothing to do with worms, but some unicellular parasites can reach large sizes.
They are completely separate organisms, although their way of life has caused them to lose the digestive vacuole.
parasite classes
Representatives of different organisms can be classified as follows:
- sarcode- Negleria and amoeba.
- spores- Toxoplasma plasmodium.
- ciliates- balantidium
- scourges- Leishmania, Trichomonas, Trypanosomes and Giardia.
These organisms are one of the first simple organisms that appeared on the planet. Their elementary structure and working functions can cause the development of deadly diseases. The list includes common representatives of protozoal parasites, but there are many more.
effects 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 most common in hot countries. A feature is the absence of skeletal and shell formations. She has legs for locomotion. It can form cysts in the human body.
Often causes amebiasis when the intestinal wall is affected. A person has loose stools with blood. Diagnosing such an amoeba is quite difficult. She is a very dangerous parasite.
Negleria Fowler.Man is the intermediate host. The place of localization of the parasite is usually the brain.
Causes amoebic meningoencephalitis, which is often fatal.
scourges
trichomonads (Trichmonasvaginalis).The disease occurs in men with almost no symptoms, only in the form of pregnancy. In women, it is manifested by pronounced signs of inflammation: profuse discharge with an unpleasant odor, itching and pain in the lower abdomen.
This simplest parasite is usually transmitted sexually, but it happens that it is also transmitted through contact household means. Infected women can infect their baby during childbirth.
giardia.These microorganisms parasitize in the gastrointestinal tract. The impact on the body for many years has been cystic carriage, but the disease proceeds in a mild form. It rarely becomes chronic. By the way, they are not afraid of toxic substances and ultraviolet radiation.
spores
Leishmania (Leishaniaspp).This species is localized in almost all human organs and eventually destroys them. Causes a serious disease - visceral leishmaniasis. A gaping ulcer forms in their habitat and constantly rots away. It is difficult to treat and often requires surgery.
Malaria Plasmodium.It is localized in blood plasma, erythrocytes and liver cells. The worst thing is that these simple organisms destroy red blood cells. Leads to tropical and multi-day malaria. Can seriously damage the kidneys and destroy the nervous system.
toxoplasma.It affects the lymph nodes and small intestine. Toxoplasmosis often develops, which is very dangerous for pregnant women. In the initial stages of infection, it mimics a viral infection.
ciliates
Intestinal balantidia (balantidiumcoli).Usually affects the large intestine, especially the appendix. This is a fairly large unicellular organism that is easily introduced into the blood.
They do not cause much harm 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:
- giardiasis
- Malaria.
- leishmaniasis.
- trichomoniasis.
- cryptosporidiosis.
- Balantidiasis.
dysenteric amoeba
Infection occurs through food and household items.
Symptoms that occur with a mild course of the disease:
- Flatulence.
- cramping pains in abdomen.
- Constipation is replaced by diarrhea.
The average severity of the course of the disease:
- The symptomatology increases over the course of 10 days.
- There is weakness and loss of appetite.
- Slimy stool with blood.
- Plenty of feces.
When the disease becomes chronic, the weight decreases sharply.
Pathologies caused by this parasite:
- peritonitis.
- Amoebic appendicitis.
- dysentery.
- Abscesses of the lungs and liver.
- Extremely rarely amoebic hepatitis and brain abscess.
- Cutaneous amebiasis with the development of ulcers and erosions.
With a lightning-fast course of the disease, even a fatal outcome is possible in weakened people.
Naegleria fowleri (Naegleria fowleri)
You can get infected with this parasite from swimming in a pond, as well as through the air.
The disease always begins with the manifestation of acute symptoms:
- Loss of smell and taste.
- headache and weakness.
- nausea and nausea.
- loss of coordination of movements.
- Pulmonary edema may develop.
- hallucinations and convulsions.
It is very difficult to diagnose the disease, so it often ends in the death of the patient.
Negleria causes the following pathologies:
- Amoebic meningoencephalitis.
- Negleriasis.
- Destroys the brain.
- A person often falls into a coma.
The infection is often fatal.
Lamblia
Diseases occur without pronounced symptoms. Infection is transmitted with unwashed fruit and through dirty hands.
Typical symptoms:
- Increased salivation.
- discomfort in the abdomen.
- loss of appetite and nausea.
Sometimes there is a green stool with foam and a pungent odor.
Diseases caused: Giardiasis and various intestinal disorders.
Leishmania
The infestation is caused by mosquitoes.
It shows up with severe symptoms:
- Enlargement of the spleen and liver.
- High temperature rise.
- febrile states.
- Weakness and pallor of the skin.
- bleeding on the skin.
- problem with cardiac activity.
- anemia and severe weight loss.
Sometimes edema and pneumonia can also occur.
This parasite causes cachexia, decreased muscle tone, impotence, and heart failure.
trichomonads
Infection occurs with promiscuity and hygiene items. Symptoms are usually absent but occasionally occur.
For men:
Discomfort when urinating.
- There is blood in the semen.
- White discharge.
Among women:Inflammation of the cervix and vagina.
Infection is very dangerous for pregnant women, as it can lead to premature birth.
Malaria Plasmodium
Mosquito bites lead to infection.
Plasmodium vivax.Symptoms depend on the stage of the disease:
- Chills up to 3 hours - muscle and joint pain, pain in the liver.
- Fever for about 12 hours - temperature up to 40 degrees, decreased pressure, shortness of breath and tachycardia.
- Profuse sweating - 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 can be an enlarged spleen, anemia, and sometimes jaundice.
Plasmodium malaria.Fever attacks occur in the morning and evening. There are also signs of three-day malaria. Can cause the development of difficult-to-treat nephrotic syndrome.
Oval plasmodium.Fever attacks come only in the evening. The disease proceeds fairly easily, but the liver can easily increase.
toxoplasma
The routes of infection are quite extensive. You can become infected through undercooked meat, dirty produce, blood transfusions, and skin cuts. By the way, the infection of a pregnant woman is often transmitted to the fetus.
With an acute form of the disease, the following symptoms appear:
- Obvious enlargement of the liver and spleen.
- signs of jaundice.
- Skin rash.
- Symptoms typical of meningitis and encephalitis.
- The lymph nodes are enlarged.
In the chronic form:
- High temperature for a long time.
- Pain in muscles and bones.
- In women, the menstrual cycle is disrupted.
- There is headache and irritability.
Thyroid problems and adrenal insufficiency can also occur.
Infection with parasites of this class threatens the occurrence of many diseases:
- oligophrenia.
- toxoplasmosis.
- epileptic seizures.
- inflammation in the retina.
- Hepatolienal Syndrome.
Rarely, but nevertheless, sclerosis of the lymph nodes occurs.
Balantidia gut
You can catch the parasite through unboiled water, dirty hands, and fruits.
Signs of infection:
- Persistent diarrhea with pus and blood.
- pain syndrome in the abdomen.
Balantidia leads to the development of peritonitis, organ abscesses and perforation of the intestinal walls.
Conclusion
Infection with protozoa is very similar to infection with viruses. By definition, they are not considered worms, although they cause great harm to human health.
Infection with protozoan parasites can be fatal, so if any of the typical symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention. Self-medication is strictly prohibited.