Intestinal parasite
211644
214205034
2008-05-22T15:22:46Z
217.6.209.50
/* Group 4. Look at me. */
'''Intestinal parasites''' are [[parasite]]s that populate the [[gastro-intestinal tract]]. In [[humans]], they are often spread by poor [[hygiene]] related to [[feces]], contact with animals, or poorly cooked food containing parasites.
The major groups of parasites include [[protozoan]]s (organisms having only one cell) and [[parasitic worm]]s (helminths). Of these, protozoans, including [[cryptosporidium]], [[microsporidia]], and [[isospora]], are most common in [[HIV]]-infected persons. Each of these parasites can infect the digestive tract, and sometimes two or more can cause infection at the same time.
== Infection ==
Parasites can get into the intestine through the mouth from uncooked or unwashed [[food]], contaminated [[water]], or hands, or by [[skin]] contact with [[larva]] infected [[soil]]. People can also become infected with intestinal parasites if they have mouth contact with the [[genital]] or [[rectum|rectal]] area of a [[sexual]] partner who is infected (e.g. [[oral sex]] or [[anal-oral contact]]). When the organisms are [[swallowed]], they move into the intestine, where they can reproduce and cause disease.
[[Category:Digestive diseases]]
[[Category:Parasites]]
[[fr:Parasite intestinal]]
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