There are three main classes of parasites that can cause disease in humans More information about specific parasites Pets can carry and pass parasites to people Some dog and cat parasites can infect people Young animals, such as puppies and kittens, are more likely to be infected with roundworms and hookworms Wild animals can also be infected with parasites that can infect people.
Is it true that labs in the united states cannot diagnose parasites Labs throughout the united states are qualified to diagnose parasitic infections Some labs have more experience than others or use various tests for the same parasite. Some are common and some are very rare, found only in travelers or immigrants from areas where the parasites are common Diagnosis is sometimes difficult and may require a specialist. Women with young children and children in day care are more likely to be exposed to parasites that cause diarrhea such as giardia intestinalis and cryptosporidium spp., ectoparasites such as lice (pediculus spp.), and pinworms (enterobius vermicularis) that cause anal itching.
For an overview including prevention, control, and treatment visit www.cdc.gov/parasites/. Pets and other animals can be a potential source of parasites that can affect children Children can also be born with this infection if their mother was infected during pregnancy. Information about risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of parasitic diseases is available on cdc's parasites website
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