Parasite infections

Clinical information

Parasites are eukaryotic organisms that live off of their host. These pathogens represent a very heterogeneous group that differs greatly regarding their structures and life cycles. Morphologically, single-cell organisms (protozoa) are distinguished from complex worm structures (helminths). Depending on the stage, helminths can present in several forms such as eggs, larvae, and mature worms. Infections lead to a great variety of symptoms that depend on the causative organism. However, these pathogens do not usually cause life-threatening illness since they are dependent on the host’s fitness. Infections may therefore remain undiscovered for a long time. Emergency diagnostics is generally not indicated, except for suspected cases of acute malaria.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of parasite infections can be supported by direct and indirect methods. As the use of one single detection method is not reliable due to the mostly highly complex life cycles, different methods such as serology and direct pathogen detection are combined. Especially in the case of travellers’ diarrhoea or chronic diarrhoea direct pathogen detection is used.

Files

Serological assays for parasitic infections