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Parasitic Diseases

Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of infections caused by intestinal, tissue, and blood parasites.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Parasitic Diseases?

Parasitic diseases cover diseases caused by protozoa (Giardia, Entamoeba, Toxoplasma, Plasmodium), helminths (intestinal worms, tapeworm, hydatid cyst), and ectoparasites (scabies, lice). They are an important public health problem affecting billions of people worldwide.

Intestinal parasites (Giardia, Ascaris, Enterobius) are transmitted by the fecal-oral route and cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and nutritional disorder. Tissue parasites (hydatid cyst, Toxoplasma), on the other hand, can form cysts or granulomas in internal organs, causing serious pathology.

The diagnosis of parasitic diseases is made by stool microscopy, serological tests, and imaging methods. Antiparasitic drugs (metronidazole, albendazole, praziquantel, ivermectin) are used according to the type of agent in treatment.

Symptoms

Diarrhea or altered bowel habits (intestinal parasites)
Abdominal pain, bloating, and gas
Weight loss and nutritional disorder
Itching (in the anal area — Enterobius; on the skin — scabies)
Cyst in the liver or lung (hydatid cyst)
Nighttime fever and chills (malaria)
Neurological symptoms in brain involvement (neurocysticercosis, toxoplasma)

Risk Factors

Travel to tropical and developing countries
Consumption of contaminated water and raw vegetables
Inadequate sanitation and hand hygiene
Consumption of uncooked meat and fish (tapeworm, Toxoplasma)
Walking barefoot on soil (hookworm)
Living in rural and farming environments
Immune system suppression

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If diarrhea persists for more than 4 weeks
  • If weight loss and unexplained fever accompany
  • When parasites or larvae are seen in stool
  • Gastrointestinal complaints after travel to tropical areas
  • When cystic lesions are detected in the liver or lung on imaging

Treatment Methods

01
Metronidazole or tinidazole (Giardia, Entamoeba)
02
Albendazole or mebendazole (intestinal worms)
03
Praziquantel (tapeworms and trematodes)
04
Ivermectin (scabies, strongyloides, onchocerciasis)
05
Surgery or PAIR (percutaneous aspiration) + albendazole in hydatid cyst
06
Safe water, proper sanitation, and hand hygiene (protection)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.