Top 10 Terrifying Parasite Infections in Medical History

Parasite is the most disgusting thing provided by nature that infests on another organism for their livelihood. These parasites can cause horrid symptoms when infected and eventually can lead to death if not treated on time. Majority of us are graceful by not having experienced such insane parasites. Moving down the list may leave you terrified.

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10. Japanese Lung Fluke

Paragonimus Westermani is the parasite which is known to be found in fresh water at the larval stage. Its life cycle begin as a free living egg in the fresh water which invades crab for development. This matured one, once again falls in fresh water to invade a bigger organism. Once it comes in contact with the individual, it can mature in lungs by infesting which can lead to deadly infections. It can break through the lung tissue eventually causing the victim to suffer from bronchitis and tuberculosis. It can kill the victim within few months if left untreated.

9. Ascaris Infection

Ascaris is a highly disgusting human worm parasite mainly targets the youngsters where hygiene and sanitation are drastically poor. It accounts for one of the largest intestinal worm in medical history. The larvae get through the victim via contaminated food or drink and can cause replication once they reach the stomach. Post infection stage is comprehensive enough for the parasite to block the intestine. Uncontrolled replication of these worms can protrude through the anus. Some victims could be truly unlucky to experience the migrated worm towards lungs to exit through nose and mouth.

8. Trichuris Trichiura

Trichuris Trichiura is a round worm that resides in the large intestine and is said to infect 800 million worldwide. It is infected once the victim consumes unhygienic food consisting of larvae. Initially the larvae penetrate the villi and develop in the small intestine. Finally the matured worms reside in the large intestine. The condition can result in symptoms like diarrhea and anemia but in extreme cases the rectum can protrude from the anus.

7. Loa Loa

Loa Loa is a filarial nematoda species which is endemic to western Africa. It is transmitted by Deer fly vector. Unlike other flies, the Deer fly injects into the victim’s skin, licks the blood and injects the larvae into the victim’s blood. The injected larvae travel all across the nervous system to find the coolest region in the body. Finally the larvae reside into the eyeball and starts infesting. Victims will have to undergo sever painful conditions like itching and swelling during matured infection stage. It can cause blindness if left untreated.

6. Cutaneous leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a deadly single celled parasite spread by sand fly bites. It can cause painful sores and hideous all over the body once it starts infesting. These sores on the body can create lifetime scars. The parasite is capable of forming 200 lesions that can lead to disability of organs. It can kill the victim within few months if left untreated.

5. Jigger Fleas

Jigger Fleas is a parasitic insect commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical region. This little insect can burrow deep into the skin of the victim, lay eggs and infest for several weeks. The infection is so severe that, the area becomes a complete mess of destroyed soft tissue. Post infection stage can cause lymphangitis, sepsis, amputation of toenails and amputation of digits. Jigger fleas in small number could be cut out of the victim’s skin with the help of scalpel. High number of infections can lead to blood poisoning which can eventually lead to death.

4. Toxoplasma Gondii

Toxoplasma Gondii is a single-celled parasite that causes toxoplamosis disease. Around 60 million people in the United States are expected to be infected by this parasite. It is spread when the individual comes in contact with cat feces that contain Toxoplasma. It mainly affects the human-brain which can result in symptoms like reduced vision, redness of eye, blurred vision. Mainly it targets infants and youngsters with compromised immune system. The final stage of infection involves infestation of parasite in the brain, which can result in complete shutdown of the brain.

3. Wuchereria Brancrofti (Elephantiasis)

Wuchereria Brancrofti is a dangerous parasite that causes Elephantiasis. These are filarial nematode worms which occupy lymphatic system, spread by mosquito vector. Over 1 million people are exposed to this parasite. Victims suffer from enlarged body parts and if left untreated can lead to disability.

2. Naegleria Fowleri (Brain-Eating Amoeba)

Naegleria Fowleri is a microscopic amoeba mainly targets the brain and nervous system. It is found mainly in lakes and rivers where people go for swimming and diving. Majority of them unfortunately get infected when these killer amoeba enter through nose and eventually reside in the brain. As soon as it comes in contact with the brain tissue, it causes a fatal infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. It is a condition where the amoeba causes intense damage to the brain tissue which can result in symptoms like headache, fever, stiff neck, and nausea. It can kill the victim in less than a week if left untreated.

1. Trypanosoma Brucei (African Sleeping Sickness)

Trypanosoma Brucei commonly called as “Sleeping Sickness” infects both humans and animals. T. Brucei is spread by an infected tsetse fly, when it bites the victim. The entry of the parasite causes immediate infection to reach an advanced stage, by barring the central nervous system. Initial phase of infection can result in symptoms like headache, fever, and joint pain. It becomes highly fatal when it reaches the central nervous system and starts infesting. Final stage of the infection is where the parasite interrupts the central nervous system leading the victim into a confused state and poor coordination. It can completely shut the brain function and make the victim sleep forever if left untreated.