Parasitic diseases occur when an organism invades a person’s body and finds protection and nourishment inside the host. People who are infected with parasites may or may not become ill. In most cases, symptoms are either nonexistent or minor. However, in some cases they can be severe or even life-threatening.

There are many parasitic diseases that can infect humans and cause illness. Generally, parasites invade through a person’s mouth or skin. Once inside the host, they may remain confined to a certain area or may spread throughout the body.

In many cases, people who are infected with a parasitic disease experience no symptoms or only a mild, flu-like illness. More severe cases of parasite infections can lead to severe and possibly even life-threatening symptoms.

In diagnosing a parasitic disease, a physician will perform a complete physical examination and compile a thorough medical history. There are also several types of laboratory tests that physicians use to diagnose parasitic disease.

Some types of parasitic diseases resolve on their own and do not require treatment. Other infections require medications such as antiparasitic agents. These are drugs used to treat infestations of parasites in the body. These medications work by either paralyzing parasites or by killing them outright.

People in industrialized nations are at low risk for parasitic diseases. However, anyone who travels to developing nations is urged to take precautions to prevent infection with parasites.