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Category: Parasitology

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Do Pork Meats Have Parasites? Understanding the Modern Risk

5 min read
While historically associated with trichinosis, modern commercial pork production practices have made parasitic infections from store-bought pork extremely rare. This shift in farming and processing has led to a much lower risk compared to wild game or unregulated sources.

Is vitamin A for deworming: Separating myth from public health strategy

3 min read
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), intestinal worm infections often coexist with vitamin A deficiency in many impoverished communities. This overlap is the key reason why the question, "Is vitamin A for deworming?", is a common point of confusion, stemming from the combined administration of these interventions in public health campaigns.

Which parasites cause weight gain? Understanding the surprising links

4 min read
Contrary to the widespread belief that parasites always lead to weight loss, some surprising evidence indicates that certain parasitic infections can actually cause unintended weight gain. These parasitic invaders manipulate host physiology in complex ways, affecting everything from metabolism to appetite regulation.

Can Worms Affect Iron Absorption?

5 min read
According to the World Health Organization, intestinal parasitic infections, or helminthiasis, affect over 1.5 billion people globally, and a significant consequence, particularly with hookworm cases, is that worms can affect iron absorption and lead to anemia. This issue is particularly prevalent in tropical regions where sanitation is poor.

Are Plasmodium heterotrophic or autotrophic?

4 min read
According to research, the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium dramatically increases its host cell's glucose consumption by up to 100-fold during the most metabolically active stages. This behavior answers the question: Are Plasmodium heterotrophic or autotrophic? Plasmodium is not an autotroph but an obligate heterotrophic parasite that must steal nutrients from its host to survive.

Understanding Which Type of Nutrition Does Plasmodium Do

4 min read
Globally, malaria parasites cause hundreds of thousands of deaths annually, making their survival strategies a critical area of study. The answer to which type of nutrition does Plasmodium do reveals a masterfully adapted and complex parasitic life, relying entirely on its host for sustenance.

What Fish in Hawaii Have Worms? A Guide to Parasites and Safety

4 min read
Studies show that parasites are a natural part of the marine ecosystem and common in many wild fish populations worldwide. In Hawaii, anglers and consumers often wonder what fish in Hawaii have worms, a question that has a nuanced answer depending on the species, location, and proper preparation methods.