📊 Overview of Parasitic Infections in the USA
100M+
Americans affected by parasitic infections
60M+
Infected with Toxoplasma gondii
14%
US population exposed to Toxocara
3.7M
Affected by Trichomoniasis annually
Most Common Parasitic Infections
Click on any parasite card for detailed information:
🔬 Diagnostic Approach
General Diagnostic Methods
- Stool O&P Examination: Gold standard for intestinal parasites (3 samples, 24h apart)
- Serologic Testing: For Toxoplasma, Strongyloides, Schistosoma antibodies
- Blood Smear: For Babesia, Malaria, and other blood parasites
- PCR Testing: Molecular detection for many protozoan infections
- Antigen Detection: For Giardia, Cryptosporidium (rapid tests available)
- Imaging Studies: CT/MRI for neurocysticercosis, hepatic lesions
- Eosinophilia Workup: CBC with differential for parasitic screening
When to Suspect Parasitic Infection
- • Unexplained eosinophilia (>500 cells/μL)
- • Travel history to endemic areas
- • Persistent GI symptoms despite treatment
- • Immunocompromised patients with unusual symptoms
- • New-onset seizures with cystic brain lesions
- • Chronic fatigue with unclear etiology
- • Unexplained anemia or vitamin deficiencies
CDC Diagnostic Resources
DPDx Laboratory Assistance:
Email: dpdx@cdc.gov
Parasitic Diseases Hotline:
Phone: 404-718-4745
Email: parasites@cdc.gov
Available 24/7 for life-threatening cases
🦠 All Parasites - Detailed Information
Browse comprehensive information about all parasites. Click on any card from the Overview section to see detailed information.
💊 Treatment Guidelines
General Treatment Principles
- • Always confirm diagnosis before treatment when possible
- • Consider empiric treatment in high-risk populations
- • Monitor for drug interactions and contraindications
- • Follow up with repeat testing to confirm cure
- • Treat household contacts when indicated
- • Consider resistance patterns in treatment failure
Special Populations
Pregnancy: Avoid albendazole, praziquantel in 1st trimester
Children: Adjust doses by weight; some drugs not approved <2 years
Immunocompromised: May need prolonged or intensive treatment
CNS involvement: Requires specialist consultation
Elderly: Consider renal/hepatic function adjustments
Treatment Monitoring
- • Repeat stool exams 2-4 weeks post-treatment
- • Monitor eosinophil count normalization
- • Serologic follow-up for tissue parasites
- • Clinical symptom resolution assessment
🛡️ Prevention Strategies
Food & Water Safety
- • Wash hands thoroughly before eating and after toilet use
- • Cook meat to safe temperatures (165°F for poultry, 160°F for ground meat)
- • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- • Drink only purified water in endemic areas
- • Avoid raw or undercooked seafood and meat
- • Freeze fish for sushi at -4°F for 7 days
Environmental Precautions
- • Wear shoes when walking on soil
- • Use insect repellent in endemic areas
- • Regular deworming of pets
- • Proper disposal of human and animal feces
- • Avoid swimming in contaminated freshwater
- • Cover sandboxes when not in use
Travel Precautions
- • Pre-travel consultation for endemic area visitors
- • Prophylactic treatment when indicated
- • Post-travel screening for high-risk exposures
- • Avoid contact with triatomine bugs (Chagas vectors)
- • Use bed nets in endemic areas
📚 Resources & References
CDC Resources
- • DPDx - Laboratory Identification: www.cdc.gov/dpdx
- • Parasites Homepage: www.cdc.gov/parasites
- • Yellow Book 2024: CDC Travel Health
- • MMWR Reports: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
Key Guidelines
- • IDSA Guidelines for Parasitic Infections
- • WHO Guidelines for Mass Drug Administration
- • American Family Physician - Neglected Parasitic Infections Update
- • Clinical Microbiology Reviews - Parasitic Disease Updates
- • Red Book - AAP Guidelines for Pediatric Infections
Emergency Consultations
CDC Emergency Operations Center
Phone: 770-488-7100 (ask for Parasitic Diseases on-call)
Available 24/7 for urgent clinical consultations
CDC Drug Service
Phone: 404-639-3670
For rare antiparasitic medications