Parasitic Infections
What is Parasitic Infections?
Parasitic infections happen when parasites enter your body and live off your nutrients. These organisms can be microscopic or large enough to see. Common types include protozoa, helminths like roundworms and tapeworms, and ectoparasites like lice.
Parasites can affect your intestines, blood, organs, or skin. They survive by feeding on your body's resources. Some parasitic infections cause obvious symptoms right away. Others can stay hidden for months or years before you notice any problems.
Millions of people worldwide deal with parasitic infections every year. Many cases go undiagnosed because symptoms can mimic other conditions. Getting proper testing helps identify the specific parasite so you can get the right treatment.
Symptoms
- Diarrhea that lasts more than a few days
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gas and bloating
- Weight loss without trying
- Fatigue and weakness
- Itching around the rectum or vagina
- Rashes or skin irritation
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches and joint pain
Some people with parasitic infections have no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. Others may have mild symptoms that come and go. This makes parasitic infections easy to miss or confuse with other digestive issues.
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Causes and risk factors
You can get parasitic infections through contaminated food or water, especially when traveling to areas with poor sanitation. Raw or undercooked meat and unwashed fruits or vegetables are common sources. Person-to-person spread happens through poor hand washing after using the bathroom. Some parasites spread through insect bites or contact with infected soil.
Risk factors include traveling to tropical or developing countries, drinking untreated water, working with animals or in childcare, and having a weakened immune system. Poor hygiene practices increase your risk. Living in crowded conditions or in areas with inadequate sanitation also raises your chances of infection. Some parasites can pass from pregnant mothers to their babies.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose parasitic infections through blood tests, stool samples, and sometimes imaging tests. Blood tests can detect antibodies your immune system makes to fight parasites. The IFA test looks for specific antibody responses to parasitic infections. Immunoglobulin E levels often rise when your body fights off parasites.
Rite Aid offers blood testing that includes IFA and Immunoglobulin E markers as an add-on to our standard panel. These tests help identify signs of parasitic infection in your body. Your doctor may also order stool samples to look for parasite eggs or organisms. Multiple tests over several days may be needed for accurate diagnosis.
Treatment options
- Antiparasitic medications prescribed by your doctor based on the specific parasite type
- Drink plenty of clean, filtered water to stay hydrated
- Eat easily digestible foods while your gut heals
- Take probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria after treatment
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating
- Cook meat to safe internal temperatures
- Practice good hand hygiene, especially before meals and after bathroom use
- Avoid contaminated water sources when traveling
- Treat all household members if one person is infected to prevent reinfection
- Follow up with your doctor to confirm the infection is cleared
Need testing for Parasitic Infections? Add it to your panel.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Common signs include ongoing diarrhea, stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Many people also experience nausea, gas, and bloating that does not go away. Blood tests and stool samples can confirm if parasites are causing your symptoms. Some infections show no symptoms early on, so testing after travel to high-risk areas is smart.
Blood tests can detect many parasitic infections by measuring antibodies and immune responses. IFA tests look for specific antibody patterns that show your body is fighting parasites. Elevated Immunoglobulin E levels often signal parasitic infection. However, stool samples may also be needed to identify the exact parasite type.
Contaminated food and water are the most common sources. This happens often when traveling to areas with poor sanitation systems. Raw or undercooked meat, unwashed produce, and untreated water carry high risk. Person-to-person spread occurs through poor hand washing, especially in childcare settings.
The time between infection and symptoms varies by parasite type. Some cause symptoms within days, while others take weeks or months. Intestinal parasites often show symptoms within one to two weeks. Blood and tissue parasites may hide for months before causing noticeable problems.
Yes, many parasitic infections spread from person to person through poor hygiene. This happens when someone does not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom. Some parasites pass through contaminated food prepared by infected individuals. Other types spread only through contaminated water, soil, or insect bites, not direct contact.
Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, and shellfish from questionable sources. Skip unwashed fruits and vegetables, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Do not drink untreated water from streams, lakes, or taps in high-risk areas. Be cautious with street food when traveling to developing countries.
Doctors prescribe antiparasitic medications based on the specific parasite causing your infection. Different parasites require different medications, so proper diagnosis matters. Treatment usually lasts from a few days to several weeks. Your doctor may test you again after treatment to make sure the infection is gone.
Yes, untreated parasitic infections can lead to serious complications over time. They can cause malnutrition, anemia, and organ damage if left untreated. Some parasites affect brain function or cause chronic digestive issues. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent most long-term problems.
Getting tested after travel to high-risk areas is wise, even without symptoms. Many parasitic infections start with mild or no symptoms. Blood tests can detect parasites before they cause serious problems. This is especially important if you had any digestive issues during or after your trip.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after using the bathroom. Clean all surfaces in your home, especially bathrooms and kitchens. Wash bedding and clothing in hot water. If you live with others, they may need treatment too to prevent passing the infection back and forth.