Types and Symptoms of Blood Parasites

Symptom of ParasitesSymptom of Parasites“Blood parasite” is a general term. It refers to several different parasites that live in the vascular system of their host. Many different blood-borne parasitic infestations exist. They cause many types and symptoms of blood parasites.

Trypanosome is type of parasite that causes two conditions: chagas and African sleeping sickness. Babesiosis is a disease caused by the genus babesia. Filariasis, brugia, and mansonella are all varieties of blood parasites.

Trypanosome is a common organism. It is transmitted between humans. A blood-sucking fly is its most common means of transit. The most common fly guilty of spreading this organism is the tsetse fly. Effective prevention involves killing this fly before it has the chance to puncture the skin. Another type of trypanosome is spread by the reduvid bug. It can cause malaria. Mosquitoes are able to transmit this organism from person to person.

There are many symptoms of blood parasites. Early signs of trypanosome can include swelling around an insect bite, general discomfort, and fever. Indications can progress to include trouble swallowing, abdominal pain, constipation, and digestive issues.

Indications of the contraction of malaria can include fever, general discomfort, shaking chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. In most cases, signs of a blood parasite infection mirror the symptoms of the flu. If you experience flu-like symptoms and have been to an area where these parasites affect people within the last year, seeking medical advisement would be wise.

Doctors utilize different methods to test for a parasite. A serology test is a common method. The test searches for antibodies the body produces to combat a parasite. This test can be successful in diagnosing a parasite in general.

A test called a blood smear is specifically designed to test for a blood parasite infection. The test itself is simple. A drop of blood is put under a microscope and observed to determine is a parasite is present.

Being alert to symptoms of blood parasites is important. The quicker you receive treatment, the better. The diseases caused by these unwanted organisms can be fatal if left unchecked. Prevention is important because these parasites can quickly become drug resistant once they have taken hold. When traveling out of the country, discuss proper prevention methods with your doctor.