Tag: parasitic infections

  • Toxoplasmosis

    Toxoplasmosis: Definition and Description of Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is found worldwide and can infect most warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is primarily transmitted through ingestion of oocysts from contaminated food, water, soil, or contact with infected cat feces. In healthy individuals, the infection often…

  • Guinea Worm Infection

    Guinea Worm Infection Definition and Description of Guinea Worm Infection Guinea Worm Infection, caused by the parasitic worm Dracunculus medinensis, is a devastating disease primarily affecting individuals in rural areas of Africa. The infection usually occurs when a person drinks contaminated water containing larvae that are released by tiny water fleas, known as Cyclops. Once…

  • Food Poisoning

    Food Poisoning Definition and Description of Food Poisoning Food poisoning refers to an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages. The contaminants can be bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances that lead to a range of gastrointestinal issues. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne illnesses affect millions of…

  • Chagas Disease

    Chagas Disease Definition and Description of Chagas Disease Chagas Disease, also known as American Trypanosomiasis, is a tropical parasitic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Initially described by Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas in 1909, the disease primarily affects the heart, intestines, and nervous system. Transmission commonly occurs through the bite of infected triatomine…