Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

Abstract

A parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host and gets its food from or at the expense of its host. Parasites can cause disease in humans. The burden of these diseases often rests on communities in the tropics and subtropics, but parasitic infections also affect people in developed countries. We live in southeastern Taiwan, which located on subtropical area. Parasites normally enter the body through the skin or mouth. Close contact with pets can lead to parasite infestation as dogs and cats are host to many parasites. Other risks that can lead people to acquire parasites are walking bare feet, inadequate disposal of faeces, lack of hygiene, and close contact with someone carrying specific parasites, and eating undercooked or exotic foods. Due to poor health knowledge, relatively low socioeconomic status, high rates of alcohol abuse, and limited access to healthcare in the past, the cases of parasite infection are more than other area in Taiwan. Most of them are caused by eating undercooked or exotic foods. In our clinical experience, we had some clinical cases of parasite infection, which were found from endoscopic studies, such as Tapeworm, Capillaria philippinensis, Hook worm, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis, and Strongyloides stercoralis. Some of them were found due to abdominal pain, anemia, chronic diarrhea, and weight loss. Some of them were noted with symptoms free. We also had detail review about Tapeworm and Capillaria philippinensis infection of Taiwan and southeastern Taiwan. However, the cases of parasite infection are less than before because of improved medical care and public healthcare. Here, we share our clinical experience of parasite infection.

Biography

Email: a5971@mmh.org.tw