A parasite is a living organism that thrives in a host, either human or other animal. Most often, a parasite sucks the nutrients of the host. There are also parasites that may kill the host. However, other hosts thrive even with a parasite along for the ride. If the host is healthy, the effect of the parasite may be small, but the host will not be operating at 100% because it is sharing its nourishment with the parasite.

Parasites are small organisms; they are often too tiny to be seen with the naked eye. However, others parasites like mites and ticks can be visible. There are many types of parasitic fungus and parasitic insects.

Types of Parasites

Endoparasite

These parasites are very small and they live inside the body of the host. Sample of this types of parasites include hookworms and tapeworms. They may cause malnutrition and weakening of the host. This rarely includes killing the host since with the host out of the picture the parasite cannot live on its own.

Ectoparasites

These parasites live on the skin of an animal. Mites, fleas, and lice are all examples of ectoparasites. Some of them are very small, but they may grow large enough to be seen. They can harm the skin of the host, and may be transferred from animal to animal, animal to human and from human to human.

Parasitic diseases in humans

Wikipedia defines a parastic disease as "an infectious disease caused or transmitted by a parasite. Many parasites do not cause disease per use. Parasitic diseases can affect practically all living organisms, from plants to mammals. The study of parasitic diseases is called by parasitology."

Malaria is caused by parasites known as plasmodium. These single-celled protozoa can only divide and multiply in their host.

Schistosomiasis is another example of a disease caused by parasites, such as worms.

Giardiasis is caused by one-celled microscopic parasite that lives in the intestines of animals that causes diarrhea, abdominal cramps and nausea. These parasites may be ingested from water that has been polluted with animal or human waste products.

Parasites are not only nuisances, they may affect the human body severely. If a child or elderly adult is affected by parasites; malnutrition is surely going to happen because parasites are feeding on the nutrients inside the body.

It is important that you avoid drinking untreated water. If you and your family will be traveling in a the wilderness or a foreign country where it isn't clear how the water is treated, if you cannot avoid drinking water, try to find distilled water. Drinking distilled water is not good for you in excess since it will cause your body to lose nutrients to the water in a process called osmosis.

However, it is better than drinking water in which you don't know what is in it.

Parasites are small, and you may not see them easily. To ensure that you will not succumb to parasitic diseases, ensure a clean environment and be careful with what you put in your mouth.