11 Disturbing Parasites That Will Keep You Up at Night - Interesting Engineering

Posted: 04 Jun 2020 12:00 AM PDT

Parasites affect hundreds of millions of people around the world each year, devastating communities on multiple continents. Parasites have a nightmarish reputation because they are usually tiny, and most people do not realize that a parasite has infected them until it's too late. These creepy critters do not just affect humans. Parasites also infect other animals, insects, and plants. And yes, there is a good chance that you have been infected by a parasite at some point.

According to scientists, parasitism is one of the most common "lifestyles" on Earth, with researchers estimating the ratio of free-living to parasitic life at around 60:40. This makes it difficult to avoid. In fact, there are at least 100 parasites that are host-specific to humans alone.

A parasite is an organism that derives its nutrition from another organism, the host, to the detriment of that organism. Parasites need a host in order to grow and multiply, and this relationship usually causes damage to the host.

Parasites can also spread disease, some of which are fatal to the host. In fact, many of the major diseases ravaging tropical areas across the world are a result of parasitic infections. One of the most common parasites, malaria, is said to kill about 1.5–2.7 million people each year, and this number is only expected to rise as the planet warms, creating new breeding grounds for the parasites carrier, the Anopheles mosquito.

The increase of some parasite-related infections can also be attributed to the rapid growth of unplanned cities, which creates additional breeding sites for mosquitoes and parasites or carriers that breed in standing water. Properly tackling parasites is no easy feat. As you probably guessed, today we are going to look at some of the most dangerous and "creepiest" parasites on the planet. Let's get started.

1. Pinworms: You might have these in your system right now

11 Disturbing Parasites That Will Keep You Up at Night — *Source: Healthline*

You or a family member might have these in your system right now. Also known as threadworms, pinworms are one of the most common parasitic infections in North America and Oceania. The parasite derives its name from its thin, white appearance. Enterobius vermicularis usually affecting the digestive tract. Threadworms tend to be spread via the fecal-oral route, with children known to be most susceptible to the disease.

So, what kind of problems do these parasites cause?

Those infected by pinworms tend to display symptoms like severe itching around the anal/rectum, abdominal pain, irritability, nausea, and weight loss, and they can even cause difficulties with urination. The good news is that the parasite is relatively easy to identify, with the help of a medical professional, and they are rarely deadly. Although, it tends to be more than a little traumatizing to see these tiny, wiggling worms emerge from your rectum.

2. The emerald cockroach wasp: Real-life zombies

A large number of wasp species live as parasites. The Ampulex compressa wasp is one of these, and resembles something out of a horror movie. This very resourceful, emerald-colored wasp hunts cockroaches. When the unfortunate victim is caught, the wasp directly aims her stinger into the roach's brain, disabling the escape reflex. The stunned cockroach is then dragged back to the Ampulex compressa's lair, where the egg of the wasp is laid in the belly of the cockroach. Once the larva egg hatches, it begins to slowly devour the insect from the inside out, until it forms a cocoon and later emerges as a new adult. We warned you.

3. Tapeworms: A 15-meter worm can live in your body

The tapeworm is one of the more commonly-known parasites on this list, partly for its distinct look and partly for the public's general fascination with this parasite. This segmented worm tends to live in the international tract of animals/livestock and is transmitted when they drink contaminated water.

It is then spread to humans through the consumption of raw or under-cooked meat from infected animals. The parasite survives by attaching itself to the hosts' intestinal tract where it absorbs the nutrients it needs. Left untreated, they can grow to terrifyingly long lengths, from a starting size of just 1/250 of an inch, to as large as 15.23 meters or about 50 feet.

Though easily treated, if left untreated, tapeworms can be extremely dangerous. The worm can cause diarrhea, pain, and weight loss. Unchecked, they can eventually block intestinal ducts, causing seizures, muscle, and even eye damage. The tapeworm can also enter other parts of your body, damaging the heart, liver, and brain. A tapeworm infection can usually be treated with a single tablet of prescription medicine called niclosamide or praziquantel. This kills the worm, which then passes out of the body. Although, if some of it remains in your gut, it could regrow.

4. Leucochloridium paradoxum: Zombie eyes

This parasite is known to infect snails, causing a weird phenomenon. Snails are drawn to the parasite's eggs and eat them. The baby parasites then develop in the gastropod's body, filling its eye-stalks with pulsating brood sacs of larvae. The brood sacs pulsate in response to light and prevent the snail from seeing in the dark - forcing them out into the open, where they are easy prey.

To a bird, the pulsating eye-stalks look like a little worm or caterpillar. Once consumed by a bird, the larvae develop into adults in the bird's digestive system. The adults reproduce and lay eggs, which are excreted by the bird. The infected bird droppings are then consumed by snails, completing the parasites' life cycle.

5. Hookworms: The parasite that penetrates your skin

The CDC has estimated that more than 576 to 740 million people around the world are infected by hookworms each year. These are responsible for 62,000 deaths per year. Hookworms live in the small intestines of humans and are excreted in the feces. These parasites tend to flourish in warmer and moist climates, and in areas with poor sanitation. One of the most common ways to get the disease is by walking on the ground barefoot, as hookworms enter the body by "hooking onto the skin," then burrowing into the body and making their way into the small intestine.

Infections are rarely fatal and tend to produce symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite, anemia, and skin infection. The infection can be easily treated with medication and is sometimes cleared by the body with any treatment. However, infections among children can be especially dangerous, as the parasitic infection can lead to problems with physical and cognitive development.

6. Cordyceps fungi: A parasite that splits your head wide open

This has to be one of the most famous parasites on our list because of all the lore surrounding it, even making its way into pop culture. Cordyceps fungi release their deadly spores into the air, affecting various insects, particularly ants. In fact, ant colonies are so terrified by other infected ants that they cast any ants acting suspiciously out of the colony.

This is because ants that are infected become disoriented and erratic. Once the infection fully takes hold, it forces the ant to climb to a very high place, like a plant stem, and die. The fungus emerges, ripping open the infected host spreading its spores to other potential victims.

7. The amoeba that eats your brain

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You might want to think twice before jumping into a lake after you read this. Usually residing in warm bodies of freshwater, like lakes and rivers, the Naegleria fowleri, or brain-eating amoeba, is an extremely rare but terrifying parasite.

The parasite lives in warm bodies of freshwater, such as lakes, where it dines on bacteria in the sediment. When the sediment is disrupted, the amoeba can get stirred into the water. Swimmers are infected with they inhale the parasite through their nose.

Once in the body, the amoeba moves from the olfactory nerves to the brain. Because the brain does not contain any bacteria for the amoeba to eat, the organism attacks brain cells for nutrients instead. There is no treatment, but the infection is nearly always fatal. Yet, only 146 cases have been reported in the U.S. in the past 50 years.

8. Cymothoa exigua: The tongue-eating parasite

You might have come across one of these parasites while fishing. The tongue-eating sea louse feeds on its host's body parts, eventually replacing the tongue of the fish. The parasite feeds on the blood from the tongue, until the tongue eventually completely withers away. After it has destroyed the tongue, the parasite feeds on the blood and mucus in the mouth.

9. Dracunculus: The meter-long dragon worm

Those infected by this parasite, also known as the guinea worm, are in for an unpleasant surprise. People tend to acquire this parasite after drinking water containing infected water fleas. Once a human has been infected, the dragon worm grows by feeding off of your body, until finally, a spaghetti-like worm emerges from the skin.

This worm can grow incredible lengths, reaching up to a meter long. Those infected by the parasite tend to find the worm emerging on their hands or feet, and report symptoms of extreme pain and burning sensations. Sadly, there is no treatment for this parasite, but it can be removed from the body once it emerges by slowly winding it around a stick, over a period of weeks.

10. Malaria: One of the most deadly parasites in the world

Malaria kills millions of people around the world each year. There are different forms of the mosquito-bourne disease, caused by four different parasites, known as Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malaria. As you know, the parasites start off in mosquitoes and are passed to humans once the victim has been bitten by an infected mosquito. Malaria can also be spread via blood transfusions, organ transplants, and the sharing of contaminated needles. The parasite disease has a long incubation period, taking anywhere from 7 to 30 days before the first symptoms begin to appear.

Those infected by malaria may experience fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, malaise, and severe sweating, which recedes after six to ten hours. However, in more severe cases, the parasite attacks the body's vital organs, causing severe anemia, loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, and neurological abnormalities. Some forms of the parasite attack the brain directly and are often fatal. Symptoms may also reappear for years.

Though there is a range of effective treatments, the best defense is to eliminate areas of standing water where mosquitos breed and to not get bit in the first place, using nets around beds, and mosquito repellant.

11. Toxoplasma gondii: The parasite that bends minds to its will

Dubbed the" brain-washing parasite," Toxoplasma gondii has been known to infect rodents in a very peculiar way. This parasite causes mice to lose their sensitivity to cat urine, and to stop avoiding areas with cats. This invariably leads to a cat eating the infected rodent. The parasite then reproduces within the cat, passes out in its feces, and eventually makes its way to the next rodent host.

Toxoplasma is also one of the most common human parasites in developed countries, infecting an estimated 30–50 percent of the global population. In humans, the parasite usually causes no symptoms or very mild, flu-like symptoms, although it may cause very a serious illness, toxoplasmosis, in those with severely weakened immune systems.

Toxoplasma may also cause some humans to slightly alter their behavior, mood, and even their reaction times. Although in humans it is not associated with an increased risk of being eaten by cats.

What do you think about the parasites on this list?

9 Benefits and Uses of Oregano Oil - EcoWatch

Posted: 08 Jul 2020 10:09 AM PDT

By Alexandra Rowles

Oregano is a fragrant herb that's best known as an ingredient in Italian food.

However, it can also be concentrated into an essential oil that's loaded with antioxidants and powerful compounds that have proven health benefits.

Oregano oil is the extract and, although it's not as strong as the essential oil, it appears to be useful both when consumed or applied to the skin. Essential oils, on the other hand, are not meant to be consumed.

Interestingly, oregano oil is an effective natural antibiotic and antifungal agent, and it may help you lose weight and lower your cholesterol levels.

What Is Oregano Oil?

Botanically known as Origanum vulgare, oregano is a flowering plant from the same family as mint. It's often used as an herb to flavor food.

Although it's native to Europe, it now grows all over the world.

Oregano has been popular ever since the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations used it for medicinal purposes. In fact, the name oregano comes from the Greek words "oros," meaning mountain, and "ganos," meaning joy or delight.

The herb has also been used for centuries as a culinary spice.

Oregano essential oil is made by air-drying the leaves and shoots of the plant. Once they're dried, the oil is extracted and concentrated by steam distillation.

Oregano essential oil can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied topically. However, it should not be consumed orally.

Oregano oil extract, on the other hand, can be produced via several extraction methods using compounds like carbon dioxide or alcohol. It's widely available as a supplement and can often be found in pill or capsule form.

Oregano contains compounds called phenols, terpenes, and terpenoids. They have powerful antioxidant properties and are responsible for its fragrance:

Carvacrol. The most abundant phenol in oregano, it has been shown to stop the growth of several different types of bacteria.
Thymol. This natural antifungal can also support the immune system and protect against toxins.
Rosmarinic acid. This powerful antioxidant helps protect against damage caused by free radicals.

These compounds are thought to underlie oregano's many health benefits.

Here are 9 potential benefits and uses of oregano oil.

1. Natural Antibiotic

Oregano and the carvacrol it contains may help fight bacteria.

The Staphylococcus aureus bacterium is one of the most common causes of infection, resulting in ailments like food poisoning and skin infections.

One particular study looked at whether oregano essential oil improved the survival of 14 mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus.

It found that 43% of the mice given oregano essential oil lived past 30 days, a survival rate nearly as high as the 50% survival rate for mice that received regular antibiotics.

Research has also shown that oregano essential oil may be effective against some potentially antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

This includes Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli, both of which are common causes of urinary and respiratory tract infections.

Although more human studies on the effects of oregano oil extract are needed, it contains many of the same compounds as oregano essential oil and may offer similar health benefits when used as a supplement.

SUMMARY

One mouse study found oregano essential oil to be almost as effective as antibiotics against common bacteria, though much more research is needed.

2. May Help Lower Cholesterol

Studies have shown that oregano oil may help lower cholesterol.

In one study, 48 people with mildly high cholesterol were given diet and lifestyle advice to help lower their cholesterol. Thirty-two participants were also given 0.85 ounces (25 mL) of oregano oil extract after each meal.

After 3 months, those given the oregano oil had lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher HDL (good) cholesterol, compared with those who were just given diet and lifestyle advice.

Carvacrol, the main compound in oregano oil, has also been shown to help lower cholesterol in mice that were fed a high fat diet over 10 weeks.

The mice given carvacrol alongside the high fat diet had significantly lower cholesterol at the end of the 10 weeks, compared with those that were just given a high fat diet.

The cholesterol-lowering effect of oregano oil is thought to be the result of the phenols carvacrol and thymol.

SUMMARY

Studies have shown that oregano may help lower cholesterol in people and mice with high cholesterol. This is thought to be the result of the compounds carvacrol and thymol.

3. Powerful Antioxidant

Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

It's thought that free radical damage plays a role in aging and the development of some diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.

Free radicals are everywhere and a natural product of metabolism.

However, they can build up in the body through exposure to environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke and air pollutants.

One older test-tube study compared the antioxidant content of 39 commonly used herbs and found that oregano had the highest concentration of antioxidants.

It found that oregano contained 3–30 times the levels of antioxidants in the other herbs studied, which included thyme, marjoram, and St. John's wort.

Gram per gram, oregano also has 42 times the antioxidant level of apples and 4 times that of blueberries. This is thought to be mostly due to its rosmarinic acid content.

Because oregano oil extract is very concentrated, you need much less oregano oil to reap the same antioxidant benefits as you would from fresh oregano.

SUMMARY

Fresh oregano has a very high antioxidant content. In fact, it's much higher than that of most fruits and vegetables, gram per gram. The antioxidant content is concentrated in oregano oil.

4. Could Help Treat Yeast Infections

Yeast is a type of fungus. It can be harmless, but overgrowth can result in gut problems and infections, such as thrush.

The most well-known yeast is Candida, which is the most common cause of yeast infections worldwide.

In test-tube studies, oregano essential oil has been found to be effective against five different types of Candida, such as those that cause infections in the mouth and vagina. In fact, it was more effective than any other essential oil tested.

Test-tube studies have also found that carvacrol, one of the main compounds of oregano oil, is very effective against oral Candida.

High levels of the yeast Candida have also been associated with some gut conditions, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

A test-tube study on the effectiveness of oregano essential oil on 16 different strains of Candida concluded that oregano oil may be a good alternative treatment for Candida yeast infections. However, more research is needed.

SUMMARY

Test-tube studies have shown that oregano essential oil is effective against Candida, the most common form of yeast.

5. May Improve Gut Health

Oregano may benefit gut health in a number of ways.

Gut symptoms like diarrhea, pain, and bloating are common and can be caused by gut parasites.

One older study gave 600 mg of oregano oil to 14 people who had gut symptoms as a result of a parasite. After daily treatment for 6 weeks, all participants experienced a reduction in parasites, and 77% were cured.

Participants also experienced a reduction in gut symptoms and tiredness associated with the symptoms.

Oregano may also help protect against another common gut complaint known as "leaky gut." This happens when the gut wall becomes damaged, allowing bacteria and toxins to pass into the bloodstream.

In a study on pigs, oregano essential oil protected the gut wall from damage and prevented it from becoming "leaky." It also reduced the number of E. coli bacteria in the gut.

SUMMARY

Oregano oil may benefit gut health by killing gut parasites and protecting against leaky gut syndrome.

6. May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation in the body is linked to a number of adverse health effects.

Research has shown that oregano oil may reduce inflammation.

One mouse study found that oregano essential oil, along with thyme essential oil, reduced inflammatory markers in those that had artificially induced colitis.

Carvacrol, one of the key components in oregano oil, has also been shown to reduce inflammation.

One study directly applied different concentrations of carvacrol to the swollen paws or ears of mice. Carvacrol reduced paw and ear swelling by 35–61% and 33–43%, respectively.

SUMMARY

Oregano oil and its components may help reduce inflammation in mice, though human studies are needed.

7. Could Help Relieve Pain

Oregano oil has been investigated for its painkilling properties.

One older study in mice tested standard painkillers and essential oils, including oregano essential oil, for their ability to relieve pain.

It found that oregano essential oil significantly reduced pain in mice, exerting effects similar to those of the commonly used painkillers fenoprofen and morphine.

The research proposed these results were likely due to the carvacrol content of oregano.

A similar study found that oregano extract reduced pain in rats, and that the response was dose-dependent, meaning the more oregano extract the rats consumed, the less pain they appeared to feel.

SUMMARY

Oregano oil may significantly reduce pain in mice and rats, exerting pain-relieving effects similar to those of some commonly used medications.

8. May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties

A few studies have indicated that carvacrol, one of the compounds of oregano oil, may have cancer-fighting properties.

In test-tube studies on cancer cells, carvacrol has demonstrated promising results against lung, liver, and breast cancer cells.

It has been found to inhibit cell growth and cause cancer cell death.

Although this is promising research, no studies have been carried out on people, so more research is needed.

SUMMARY

Preliminary studies have shown that carvacrol — the most abundant compound in oregano oil — inhibits cancer cell growth and causes cell death in lung, liver, and breast cancer cells.

9. May Help You Lose Weight

Thanks to oregano's carvacrol content, oregano oil may aid weight loss.

In one study, mice were fed either a normal diet, high fat diet, or high fat diet with carvacrol. Those given carvacrol alongside their high fat diet gained significantly less weight and body fat than those just given a high fat diet.

Furthermore, carvacrol appeared to reverse the chain of events that can lead to the formation of fat cells.

More research is needed to demonstrate that oregano oil has a role in weight loss, but it may be worth trying as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

SUMMARY

Oregano oil may be beneficial for weight loss through the action of carvacrol, though human studies are needed.

How to Use Oregano Oil

Oregano oil extract is widely available in capsule and tablet form. It can be bought from most health food shops or online.

Because the strength of oregano supplements can vary, it's important to read the directions on the individual packet for instructions on how to use the product.

Oregano essential oil is also available and can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically. Note that no essential oil should be ingested.

There's no standard effective dose of oregano essential oil. However, it's often mixed with around 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of olive oil per drop of oregano essential oil and applied directly to the skin.

Like other essential oils, keep in mind that oregano essential oil should not be consumed orally.

If you're interested in taking oregano oil extract but currently taking prescription medications, make sure to consult your healthcare provider before adding it to your regimen.

In addition, oregano oil extract is not generally recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

SUMMARY

Oregano oil extract can be purchased in pill or capsule form and taken orally. Oregano essential oil is also available and can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin.

The Bottom Line

Oregano oil extract and oregano essential oil are both relatively cheap and readily available.

Oregano is higher in antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables, and it's packed full of powerful compounds called phenols.

Oregano also contains compounds that may be effective against bacterial and fungal infections, inflammation, and pain, among other conditions.

Overall, it appears to have several health benefits and may be useful as a natural treatment for some common health complaints.

Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.

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