Classical scabies is a parasitic infection that is caused by the presence of mites on the skin. The microscopic human itch mites burrow shallow tunnels into the upper layer of the skin.1 The human itch mite is an eight-legged bug that is less that 1mm large, and is nearly impossible to view without a microscope.3 The mites…
Category: Parasitic Infections
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis (trick-oh-mo-NEYE-ah-sis), or “trich,” is an infection in the vagina or the male urethra and prostate gland caused by the microscopic, single-celled protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis.1 While this protozoan can affect both males and females, it typically affects females more. About 3.7 million people have the infection in the United States, while only 30% ever develop symptoms.2 The good news is…
Pubic Lice
Trigger warning: This article includes graphic and highly detailed photos of pubic lice infestations that some people may find upsetting. If you wish to proceed, do so with caution of the explicit imagery. Pubic lice, often referred to as “crabs” due to their claw-like front legs, are small parasitic insects.3 Also known as “Phthirus pubis”…
An Overview of Parasitic Infections
A parasitic infection is a disease that is transmitted by parasites. Parasites are microscopic organisms that live inside or on the exterior of a larger host, using the host as their food source.1 There are three types of parasites that target humans: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. Protozoa are microscopic, one-celled organisms that can pass to…