About parasites key points a parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host There are three main classes of parasites that can cause disease in humans Pets can carry and pass parasites to people Some dog and cat parasites can infect people Young animals, such as puppies and kittens, are more likely to be infected with roundworms and hookworms Wild animals can also be infected with parasites that can infect people.
Is it true that labs in the united states cannot diagnose parasites Labs throughout the united states are qualified to diagnose parasitic infections Some labs have more experience than others or use various tests for the same parasite. Women with young children and children in day care are more likely to be exposed to parasites that cause diarrhea such as giardia intestinalis and cryptosporidium spp., ectoparasites such as lice (pediculus spp.), and pinworms (enterobius vermicularis) that cause anal itching. Some are common and some are very rare, found only in travelers or immigrants from areas where the parasites are common Diagnosis is sometimes difficult and may require a specialist.
