It should be started with the fact that the simplest organisms appeared a very long time ago, they are considered the oldest inhabitants of the planet. Throughout their existence, they have become incredibly resistant to various tests. They can survive even in the most dangerous environment.
These microorganisms have chosen a very convenient mode of existence for themselves - parasitism, especially in the human body. As mentioned before, these microorganisms are incredibly "harmful" and persistent, so sometimes it is so difficult to get rid of them.
There are several types of parasitic "residence". The first type includes endogenous microorganisms, that is, those that are found inside the human body. The second type includes exogenous parasites which easily "settle" on the skin and cause various skin diseases.
Types of protozoan parasites
Basically, there are 4 types of parasites that "live well" in the human body.
Flagellate
These include lamblia, trypanosomes. This class is a representative of the oldest representatives of parasites. They got this name thanks to their organ of movement: the flagella. The size of the parasites themselves is simply microscopic, they have a constant shape and reproduce, as a rule, dividing into two parts.
They are very dangerous for humans and animals, if they get into their body, they cause enormous damage. They also cause various diseases. Like American carotid fever, cutaneous leishmaniasis and many others. They can parasitize the intestines, blood and skin. Thus, negatively affecting human health.
Sporozoa
This type of protozoan parasite has a very complex development path. The class is currently known to contain around 1, 400 species. All representatives "choose" a parasitic lifestyle and are extremely dangerous to humans and animals. Reproduction occurs by cell division.
Most often, the tissues and organs of a person or animal are chosen as the "place of residence". This species causes many diseases. For example, like malaria, toxoplasmosis.
Ciliates
These include the balantidia. There are about 7, 000 different species. The organs of movement of these parasites are cilia, of which there are many.
A feature of this type is the presence of two nuclei. They have a constant body shape and shell. Reproduction is usually carried out by division. This species is no less dangerous for humans and animals than the previous two.
Sarcode
These include amoeba dysentery. They are the most primitive of all types and classes. There are around 10, 000 different species! They do not have a permanent bodily form. Parasite in humans and animals.
Most often, they choose the digestive system for their activities. Because of them, a person can get very serious poisoning. In some cases, deaths are also common.
These types combine high resistance to various "tests". After all, an infected person is constantly trying to fight the parasites, but this does not always work because of resistance to all measures.
Why are they dangerous, what diseases they cause
The simplest parasites are indeed very dangerous for human health. They can cause various diseases with certain consequences. In any case, you should not underestimate the simplest parasites, because they can significantly harm a person.
Diseases caused by protozoan parasites:
Malaria
For such a disease, some differences are characteristic. Sometimes there is relief and then the relief is replaced by worsening symptoms. The main symptoms are headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, seizures.
For many years, chitin has been considered the best treatment. However, there are also deaths from this disease most often when the medicine is developed at a low level.
Amoebiasis
Another no less dangerous disease, the consequences of which can also be sad. The causative agent is amoeba dysentery.
Symptoms start to appear 7-10 days after infection. These include headache, general discomfort, fever, and some people may have an upset stomach. This is followed by complications, which result in liver problems. If the patient does not start treatment on time and go to a specialist, the consequences will be irreversible.
Toxoplasmosis
The causative agent of the disease is Toxoplasma de Gondia. Symptoms of this disease include eye damage, the nervous system suffers, as well as the cardiovascular system. Very often at first the infection is unremarkable, as if a cold is passing.
Infection during pregnancy is very dangerous. Even if the child survives, it is very likely that it will lead to complications and damage to the eyes or the nervous system. So, even with the first symptoms, it is imperative to see a doctor.
Balantidiasis
It is caused by a microorganism such as balantidia. Symptoms of this disease are abdominal pain, indigestion. In some cases, high temperature body poisoning is also possible.
Leishmaniasis
Leishmania is considered to be the causative agent of this disease. With skin and mucocutaneous manifestations, ulcers appear. With a mucocutaneous manifestation, edema can often occur. Since these diseases are associated with the respiratory tract, there can be fatalities.
Leishmaniasis is mainly found in hot countries. This disease is quite common and occurs in 87 countries.
As you can see, the simplest parasites are incredibly dangerous to human health, despite the simple structure of microorganisms. They can cause irreparable damage to the human body, as well as some consequences and complications.
How are they transmitted
There are 4 most common modes of infection:
- Contact - household. . . This type manifests itself due to the violation of sanitary measures or rules of hygiene. Infection can arise from various activities: using other people's belongings, especially personal hygiene products, dishes, etc. Therefore, it is very important to follow the rules of personal hygiene, to have your own personal care products and under no circumstances should you use someone else's.
- Fecal - oral. . . This type occurs as a result of contact with feces or vomit. The simplest parasite first enters the hands or food of the "new host" and then the body.
- Food. . . This type manifests itself as a result of consuming contaminated food. It can be undercooked fish or meat, unwashed vegetables and fruits, dairy products.
- Transmissible. . . This type occurs as a result of transmission from an infected object during a bite, that is, through the secretion of saliva.
How to get rid of them
After reading the article, this question certainly arises. Even the simplest parasite infections are very common, so the question of their elimination is incredibly relevant.
As mentioned earlier, when the first symptoms of infection appear, you should see a doctor. The specialist may order certain tests and examinations. After passing them, the doctor will make an accurate diagnosis. After that, there is an urgent need to proceed with treatment. It is also not recommended to self-medicate, because it is a professional who can help to make the correct diagnosis and to prescribe an adapted treatment. In most cases, doctors resort to treatment with various drugs that help eliminate parasites and speed up human recovery.
In modern times, there are many good drugs that help fight infections with protozoan parasites. There is a wide variety of drugs on the market, making it easy to find the right drug for a particular patient.
Preventive measures
In order not to face the above problems, it is imperative to adhere to certain rules, as well as to take preventive measures.
The most effective rules are those taught by children at school. First of all, you should not forget about the thorough washing of fruits and vegetables. You can also do a heat treatment or cut the skin.
In addition, you cannot eat raw fish, not fully cooked meat. It is imperative to completely prepare the dish, observe the temperature regime and time, in order to fully cook the product. Casual sex should be avoided. And you must also have regular medical examinations.