Abstract

Parasitic diseases are infections caused by parasites, which are organisms that live on or in a host and derive nutrients at the host’s expense. These diseases affect millions of people worldwide and are especially prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. They can have a significant impact on public health, economic productivity, and overall quality of life. This article aims to provide an overview of parasitic diseases, including their types, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Parasitic diseases are infections caused by parasites— organisms that depend on a host for survival while causing harm to the host. These diseases significantly impact global health, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, where environmental conditions favor the transmission of various parasites. Parasitic diseases can be classified into three main categories: protozoan infections (e.g., malaria, amoebic dysentery, leishmaniasis), helminthic infections (e.g., schistosomiasis, ascariasis, lymphatic filariasis), and ectoparasitic infections (e.g., scabies, lice).Symptoms vary depending on the type of parasite and may include fever, gastrointestinal disturbances, fatigue, and skin lesions. Complications can arise if left untreated, leading to severe health consequences, including organ damage, anemia, and even death. Transmission routes for these diseases include vector-borne pathways, fecal-oral routes, direct contact, and soil transmission, with risk factors such as poor sanitation, close contact with infected individuals, and living in endemic areas.