Parasitosis y tubo digestivo

Abstract

A wide variety of parasitic infections affect the human gastrointestinal tract, compromising different segments from the oral cavity to the anus. This review will first analyze Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, which is the most important parasitic infection capable of affecting both the esophagus and the large intestine. Next, anisakiasis will be examined, a disease that can cause direct lesions in the stomach and intestine, as well as allergic manifestations mediated by hypersensitivity to the parasite.

Subsequently, three highly important intestinal protozoan infections will be described in detail: giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and amebiasis. A brief description of less frequent protozoan infections will also be included, along with the pathogenic role of two microorganisms commonly detected in feces: Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis.

A large section will be dedicated to the study of the main intestinal helminth infections caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus), and Strongyloides spp. Enterobiasis will also be described, a highly prevalent helminth infection that can cause everything from anal pruritus to complications such as appendicitis. Finally, mention will be made of other less frequent helminth infections caused by nematodes (e.g., Trichostrongylus spp), trematodes (e.g., Dicrocoelium dendriticum), and cestodes (e.g., Taenia spp), which can compromise the human digestive system.