4 Parasites Too Creepy to Exist
Published -
- August 11, 2019
- 9:00 pm
Warning! This video is a little gross…
Between 1/3 and 1/2 of all life on earth is parasitic – and here are 4 of the creepiest parasites we know about.
How is the Guinea Worm (Dracunculus Medinensis) transmitted to humans and what are the consequences of being infected?
Parasites are organisms that survive by feeding on another organism, known as a host. While some parasites may be harmless, others can cause severe health problems or even death in their hosts. In the world of parasites, there are some that are so creepy and terrifying that they seem like something straight out of a horror movie. Here are four parasites too creepy to exist.
1. The Eye Worm (Loa Loa)
The Loa Loa parasite is commonly found in tropical areas of West and Central Africa. Its larvae are transmitted to humans through a bite from an infected deer fly. Once inside the host’s body, the larvae grow into adult worms. These worms can grow up to a length of 17 cm and migrate to the host’s eyes, causing irritation, itching, and even blindness.
2. The Brain-Eating Amoeba (Naegleria Fowleri)
The Naegleria Fowleri is a freshwater-dwelling amoeba that can cause a rare but fatal infection called Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). It enters the human body through the nose and then migrates to the brain, causing inflammation and death. The risk of this infection is highest during the summer months when people spend more time in warm freshwater lakes and rivers.
3. The Tongue-Eating Louse (Cymothoa Exigua)
The Cymothoa Exigua is a parasitic crustacean that inhabits the mouths of certain fish species. Once it enters the fish’s mouth, it attaches itself to the tongue and feeds on the host’s blood. Over time, the louse cuts off the blood supply to the tongue, causing it to die and fall off. The parasite then takes the place of the tongue and continues to feed on the host’s blood.
4. The Guinea Worm (Dracunculus Medinensis)
The Guinea Worm is a parasite that has been around for centuries and has plagued humans for ages. It is transmitted to humans through contaminated water sources. Once inside the host’s body, the larvae grow into adult worms, which can grow up to a length of one meter. The worms then migrate to the host’s skin, causing a blister-like sore. After about a year, the worm emerges from the sore, causing intense pain and leaving the host vulnerable to secondary infections.
In conclusion, these four parasites demonstrate how creepy and horrifying parasites can be. As they say, truth is often stranger than fiction, and the existence of these creatures is proof of that. It highlights the importance of keeping oneself and surroundings clean and hygienic to avoid the risk of parasitic infections. The world of parasites is vast and mysterious, and while we may never know all its secrets, we can take steps to protect ourselves from these creepy creatures.
