Journal of Parasitic Diseases: Diagnosis and Therapy

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Perspective - Journal of Parasitic Diseases: Diagnosis and Therapy (2024) Volume 9, Issue 2

The silent threat: Understanding parasitic diseases.

Alexandru Tudor*

Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania

Corresponding Author:
Alexandru Tudor
Department of Anatomy,
Physiology and Biophysics,
University of Bucharest,
Bucharest,
Romania
E-mail: alexandru@tudor.ro

Received: 10-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AAPDDT-23-91300; Editor assigned: 13-Mar-2023, AAPDDT-23-91300 (PQ); Reviewed: 27-Mar-2023, QC No. AAPDDT-23-91300; Revised: 24-May-2023, Manuscript No. AAPDDT-23-91300 (R); Published: 31-May-2023, DOI:10.35841/aapddt.8.3.146

Citation: Tudor A. The silent threat: Understanding parasitic diseases. J Parasit Dis Diagn Ther. 2023;8(3):1-2.

Abstract

Parasitic diseases are caused by organisms that live on or within a host organism and obtain their nutrients at the expense of the host. These diseases can affect both humans and animals and can be transmitted through various modes such as ingestion of contaminated food or water, insect bites or contact with infected individuals. The diagnosis and therapy of parasitic diseases require a comprehensive understanding of the disease pathogenesis, clinical symptoms and treatment options.

Keywords

Parasitic diseases, Blood tests, Pathogenesis, Clinical symptoms, Host

Introduction

Diagnosis of parasitic diseases: The diagnosis of parasitic diseases involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests and imaging studies. In many cases, the symptoms of parasitic diseases are nonspecific and can be mistaken for other illnesses, making diagnosis challenging. Therefore, a thorough medical history and physical examination are essential to identify the possible exposure to the parasite and the clinical presentation of the disease [1].

Description

Laboratory tests such as blood tests, stool tests and urine tests are commonly used to detect the presence of parasites. Blood tests are used to detect antibodies against the parasite and can help diagnose diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis. Stool tests are used to identify parasites such as Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica and Cryptosporidium. Urine tests are used to detect the presence of Schistosoma haematobium and other parasitic infections [2].

Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan and MRI are also used in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases. These studies can help visualize the presence of parasites in organs such as the liver, spleen and intestines. Imaging studies are particularly useful in the diagnosis of diseases such as echinococcosis and schistosomiasis.

Therapy of parasitic diseases: The therapy of parasitic diseases depends on the type of parasite, the severity of the disease and the host’s immune status. The treatment options for parasitic diseases include antiparasitic drugs, supportive care and preventive measures [3-5].

Antiparasitic drugs: Antiparasitic drugs are the primary treatment for most parasitic diseases. These drugs target the parasite’s life cycle and can eliminate the parasite from the host’s body. The choice of antiparasitic drug depends on the parasite’s sensitivity to the drug and the drug’s side effects. Commonly used antiparasitic drugs include:

Chloroquine: It is used in the treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium species.

Metronidazole: It is used in the treatment of Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica and Trichomonas vaginalis infections.

Praziquantel: It is used in the treatment of schistosomiasis, echinococcosis and other parasitic infections.

Albendazole and mebendazole: It is used in the treatment of intestinal helminth infections such as hookworm, roundworm and whipworm.

Preventive measures

Preventive measures are critical in the management of parasitic diseases. These measures aim to prevent the transmission of parasites and reduce the risk of infection. The preventive measures include:

Personal hygiene: Washing hands regularly, avoiding contaminated water, food and practicing safe sex can reduce the risk of parasitic infections.

Vector control: Controlling the insect vectors that transmit parasitic diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease can reduce the incidence of these diseases.

Conclusion

Supportive care is an essential component of the therapy of parasitic diseases. Many parasitic diseases cause severe dehydration, anemia and malnutrition. Therefore, supportive care measures such as rehydration, blood transfusion and nutritional supplementation are often required. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

References

  1. Garcia LS Diagnostic medical parasitology. 6th edition, ASM Press, Washington DC, United States, 2016;284-308.

    2. Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Chiodini PL, Moody AH, Manser DW.Atlas of medical helminthology and protozoology. 4th edition, Churchill Livingstone, London, United Kingdom, 2002;1-91.
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