infection.org

Parasitic

An infection due to parasites is not uncommon in the Western world, although many people do not think of parasites in connection with a modern lifestyle. Parasitic infections such as worms are common in pets, and are routinely treated by veterinarians. However, humans get parasites too. A flea bite from Rover’s flea infestation is a type of human infection. Parasites that thrive inside the body are called endoparasites. An example is hookworms. Parasites may be merely irritating to the human host, or may cause serious illness or impairment. Parasites may be highly specialized as to where they can exist, or may be more general in nature.