How Does a Blood Parasite Infection Occur?

Introduction

Parasites are living organisms that live on or inside their host, while causing damage the host itself. A blood parasite infection is a parasite that gains access to your body through your blood stream. The parasite then uses your body resources to live and reproduce, usually damaging your body in the process. Blood parasite infections can occur in four main ways.

Insect

The most common form of transmission for blood parasites is through an insect host--most commonly through the mosquito or sand fly. These insects ingest the parasite, usually from an animal. When the insect bites another animal or human, the parasite is able to gain access into the body via the bite to the blood stream.

Blood Transfusion

In rare cases, a blood parasite infection may come from a blood transfusion. A blood transfusion involves taking the blood from one person and injecting it into another. If the blood is not screened properly, the blood may contain parasites. These parasites are then injected into the body along with the new blood during transfusion.

Needle Sharing

Blood parasite infections can also occur through sharing needles. This is most common among drug users. When someone infected with the parasite uses a needle to inject drugs, he leaves a trace of infected blood on the needle. If that needle is reused by someone else, the blood is then introduced to the next user when she punctures her arm. This allows the parasite to gain access to the second user's blood stream.

Congenital

Blood parasite infections can also occur congenitally, or from mother to unborn child. If the mother becomes infected with a blood parasite, the baby can become infected through the umbilical chord.

Resources

• List of blood borne parasites