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]] {{disease-stub}}