

Pathogens & Parasites
An overview of the most common organisms that can harm human health.
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A wide range of parasites and pathogens can infect the human body and cause serious health problems. Below is a simplified overview of the most widespread and clinically significant organisms, along with the main issues they may cause.
I. Fungi, Molds, and Yeasts
These organisms produce harmful toxins that can damage organs. They thrive when the body becomes acidic or weakened by sugar, alcohol, antibiotics, or poor diet. They can attack virtually every organ, including the brain.
1. Candida albicans
Very widespread.
Causes intestinal and genital infections, itching of the nose and anus, allergies, arthritis, rheumatism, cold extremities, white tongue coating, and—when affecting the brain—depression and migraines.
2. Aspergillus
Bronchial and lung inflammation, blood disorders, and liver and brain issues.
3. Cryptococcus
Spread from pigeon droppings; causes respiratory problems.
4. Histoplasma capsulatum
Found in bird excrement (natural swimming areas, soil, beach sand).
Affects liver and lymphatic system.
II. Viruses
Viruses are extremely small organisms that live and reproduce inside human cells.
They can rapidly mutate and are suspected to play a role in the development of cancer.
1. Herpes simplex
Cold sores on the mouth and genitals; can affect internal organs.
2. Varicella-Zoster Virus
Shingles.
3. EBV (Epstein–Barr Virus)
Mononucleosis, associated with cancer, chronic fatigue.
4. CMV (Cytomegalovirus)
Enlarges host cells dramatically; causes swelling.
5. HHV-8
Present in many tumors.
6. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
Warts on skin and mucous membranes; cervical cancer.
7. Adenoviruses
Flu-like symptoms and inflammation.
8. RNA Viruses
Bronchitis, fevers, pneumonia, diarrhea, rashes, tick-borne encephalitis, hepatitis; associated with leukemia and sarcomas; slow viruses and prions can severely damage the brain (e.g., mad cow disease).
III. Bacteria
Single-celled organisms that multiply rapidly by division.
1. Borrelia
Spread by ticks, lice, and mosquitoes.
Affects joints, nervous and immune system, skin, heart; causes sweating, fatigue, headaches, vision issues, arrhythmia, memory loss.
2. Helicobacter pylori
Inflammation of stomach and intestinal lining, ulcers, acid reflux, bloating, diarrhea, bad breath.
3. Leptospira
Spread by domestic and wild animals; affects kidneys and liver.
4. Treponema pallidum
Syphilis.
5. Staphylococcus (40+ types)
Inflammations of intestines, lungs, kidneys, ears, eyes, teeth, brain; increasing antibiotic resistance.
6. Streptococcus
Similar to Staphylococcus but more aggressive.
7. Neisseria
Gonorrhea; discharge, pain during intercourse, diarrhea.
8. Listeria
Affects nervous system; meningitis; crosses the placenta.
9. Clostridia
Affect the psyche; may trigger crying spells.
10. Brucella
Fertility problems, miscarriages, testicular and tendon inflammation.
11. Escherichia coli
Urinary infections, diarrhea.
12. Salmonella
Diarrhea; can spread to bladder, bones, and joints.
13. Shigella
Psychological issues and depression.
14. Ureaplasma
Pain when urinating; inflammation of vagina, uterus, urethra, testicles; infertility.
15. Chlamydia
Sexual and respiratory types; chronic fatigue, heart problems, inflammation, infertility, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis.
IV. Protozoa (Single-celled Parasites)
1. Amoebas (Entamoeba)
Intestinal bleeding.
2. Flagellates (Giardia lamblia)
Inflammation of bile ducts and gallbladder, bloating, heartburn, gallbladder colic, stones, diarrhea.
3. Ciliates (Balantidium coli)
Colon problems.
4. Microsporidia
Affect digestive tract and eyes.
5. Trichomonas vaginalis
Infections, vaginal discharge, prostatitis, urethral inflammation, hand tremors.
6. Coccidia (Toxoplasma gondii)
From cat feces; mood swings, nervousness, miscarriages, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
7. Leishmania
Spread by mosquitoes and ticks; skin inflammation, ulcers on ears and eyes.
8. Plasmodium (Malaria)
Spread by mosquitoes; attacks red blood cells, weakens immune system.
V. Worms – Helminths (Nematodes)
Multicellular organisms ranging from millimeters to meters.
Migrate through the body: intestine → liver → heart → lungs → stomach → rectum.
1. Roundworm (Ascaris)
Teeth grinding, digestive problems, cough, asthma, epilepsy, gallstones, ear infections.
2. Whipworm (Trichuris)
Diarrhea, bloating, insomnia, anemia.
3. Pinworm (Enterobius)
Anal itching, discharge, urinary and uterine infections.
4. Hookworm
Skin inflammation, itching, cough, diarrhea, depression.
5. Intestinal threadworm
Skin inflammation, cough, asthma, ulcers, depression.
6. Trichinella
Muscle twitching, pain, cysts, scoliosis, encephalitis.
7. Toxocara
Retinal detachment, epilepsy.
8. Dracunculus
Subcutaneous abscesses; associated with vitiligo.
9. Filaria worms
Damage lymphatic system, limb/genital swelling, headaches, depression.
VI. Flatworms
Tapeworm (Cestoda)
Nutrient depletion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, fatigue.
Broad tapeworm
Anemia, dizziness, tingling in fingers, vomiting, hunger attacks.
Echinococcus (Hydatid disease)
Severe health problems: tumors, cysts, liver failure, psychological effects, epilepsy.
Flukes
Linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s, intestinal disorders, swelling of liver and lungs; damage veins, urinary tract, kidneys, eyesight.
Most known: Egyptian fluke – severe intestinal problems, heart enlargement, fatigue, cough, limb swelling.
Note:
After returning from countries where parasites are common, a preventive deworming/parasite cleanse is recommended, even if no symptoms are present.