COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 261
vary significantly by geography, studies suggest that these
organisms maintain a presence even in industrialized nations:
● The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
estimates that millions of Americans harbor parasitic
infections, many without apparent symptoms [2].
● Certain parasites like Blastocystis hominis may colonize up to
23% of developed populations and up to 100% in some
developing regions [3].
● Cryptosporidium and Giardia remain among the most
common waterborne parasites in the United States, with the
CDC reporting over 700,000 cases annually [4].
Research by Dr. Omar Amin at the Parasitology Center suggests
that subclinical parasitic presence may be significantly more
common than officially recognized, particularly when using
advanced detection methods beyond conventional stool analysis
[5].
Major Classifications of Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites that affect humans fall into two primary
categories, each with distinct characteristics and health
implications:
Protozoan Parasites
Protozoa are single-celled microscopic organisms that can
multiply within the human host. Common protozoan parasites
include:
Giardia intestinalis (G. lamblia)
Prevalence: Affects approximately 2% of adults and 6-8% of
children in developed countries; higher in developing regions [6].
Transmission Mechanisms:
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