It is customary to refer to parasitic protozoan microorganisms as those parasites that are constantly in the human body and feed on its "juices". They have nothing to do with worms, but some single-celled parasites can grow to large sizes.
They are completely independent organisms, although they have lost the digestive vacuole, which is caused by their way of life.
Parasite classes
Representatives of various bodies can be classified as follows:
- Sarcode- negleria and amoeba.
- spores- Toxoplasma Plasmodium.
- ciliates‒ balantidium
- Flagella- 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 provoke the development of fatal diseases. The list contains common representatives of protozoan parasites, but there are many more.
Impact on the body
Although these parasites are called protozoa, they have a very negative effect on the human body, causing serious illnesses.
Sarcode
dysenteric amoeba (Entamoedahistolytica).The parasite is most common in hot countries. A feature is the absence of skeletal formations and shells. She has legs to move around. It can form cysts in the human body.
Often causes amoebiasis when the intestinal wall is affected. A person has loose stools with blood. Diagnosing such an amoeba is quite difficult. It 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.
Flagella
Trichomonas (Trichmonasvaginal).The disease occurs in men with almost no symptoms, only in the form of carriage. 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, as a rule, is transmitted sexually, but it happens that it is also through household contact. Infected women can infect their babies during childbirth.
Giardia.These microorganisms parasitize the gastrointestinal tract. The impact on the body is a cystic carriage for many years, but the disease progresses in a mild form. Rarely, it becomes chronic. By the way, they are not afraid of poisonous substances and ultraviolet rays.
spores
Leishmania (Leishaniaspp).This species is localized in almost all human organs and eventually destroys them. Causes a serious disease - visceral leishmaniasis. In their habitat, a gaping ulcer forms, which constantly rots. It is difficult to treat and often requires surgery.
Malaric 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 break down the nervous system.
Toxoplasma.It affects the lymph nodes and the small intestine. Toxoplasmosis often develops, which is very dangerous for pregnant women. At the initial stage of infection, it mimics a viral infection.
ciliates
Intestinal Balantidia (Balantidiumcoli).Usually affects the large intestine, especially the cecum. It is a fairly large single-celled organism that easily enters the bloodstream.
They do not cause much harm to the body, but ulcers can occur 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 appear with a mild course of the disease:
- Flatulence.
- Cramping pains in the abdomen.
- Constipation is replaced by diarrhea.
The average severity of the course of the disease:
- The symptomatology increases within 10 days.
- There is weakness and loss of appetite.
- Mucous stools with blood.
- Abundant droppings.
When the disease becomes chronic, the weight drops sharply.
Pathologies caused by this parasite:
- Peritonitis.
- Amebic appendicitis.
- Dysentery.
- Abscess of lungs and liver.
- Extremely rare amoebic hepatitis and brain abscess.
- Cutaneous amoebiasis with the development of ulcers and erosions.
With an ultra-rapid course of the disease, even a fatal outcome is possible in weakened people.
Naegleria fowleri (Naegleria fowleri)
You can get infected with this parasite by 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.
- Headaches and weakness.
- Nausea and want to vomit.
- 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:
- Amebic meningoencephalitis.
- Negleriasis.
- Destroys the brain.
- A person often falls into a coma.
The infection is often fatal.
lambia
Diseases occur without pronounced symptoms. The infection is transmitted through unwashed fruit and dirty hands.
Typical symptoms:
- Increased salivation.
- Discomfort in the abdomen.
- Loss of appetite and nausea.
Sometimes there is a green stool with moss and a pungent smell.
Diseases caused: giardiasis and various intestinal dysfunctions.
Leishmania
The infestation is caused by mosquitoes.
He has severe symptoms:
- Enlarged spleen and liver.
- Strong rise in temperature.
- Feverish conditions.
- Weakness and pallor of the skin.
- Hemorrhages on the skin.
- Cardiac activity problem.
- Anemia and severe weight loss.
Sometimes edema and pneumonia can join.
This parasite causes cachexia, decreased muscle tone, impotence and heart failure.
Trichomonas
Infection occurs with promiscuity and hygiene items. Symptoms are mostly absent, but appear occasionally.
For men:
Discomfort when urinating.
- There is blood in the semen.
- Whitish discharge.
In women:inflammation of the cervix and vagina.
The infection is very dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause premature birth.
Malaric Plasmodium
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, decrease in pressure, shortness of breath and tachycardia.
- Strong sweating phase - a sharp decrease in temperature with the release of sweat, muscle weakness and hypotension.
Three-day malaria may develop and spontaneous recovery may occur. There may be an enlarged spleen, anemia, and sometimes jaundice.
Plasmodium malaria.There are febrile attacks in the morning and in the evening. Also, there are signs of three-day malaria. May cause the development of nephrotic syndrome, which is difficult to treat.
Plasmodium ovale.Attacks of fever occur only in the evening. The disease progresses quite easily, but the liver may increase slightly.
Toxoplasma
The routes of infection are quite extensive. You can get infected through half-cooked meat, dirty produce, 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 enlargement of liver and spleen.
- Signs of jaundice.
- Itchy skin.
- Typical symptoms of meningitis and encephalitis.
- The lymph nodes are enlarged.
In chronic form:
- Long standing high temperature.
- Pain in muscles and bones.
- In women, the menstrual cycle is disturbed.
- There is a headache and irritability.
Additionally, there may be problems with the thyroid gland and adrenal insufficiency.
Infection with parasites of this class threatens the appearance of many diseases:
- Oligophrenia.
- Toxoplasmosis.
- epileptic seizures.
- Inflammation of the retina.
- hepatolienal syndrome.
Rarely, but still, sclerosis of the lymph nodes occurs.
Intestinal balantidia
You can catch the parasite through unboiled water, through dirty hands and fruits.
Signs of infection:
- Prolonged 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 by protozoa is very similar to infection by viruses. By definition, they are not considered worms, although they cause serious harm to human health.
Infection with protozoan parasites can lead to death. Therefore, when typical symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. Self-medication is strictly prohibited.