top of page
image.png

Pathogens & Parasites

An overview of the most common organisms that can harm human health.

​

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.

bottom of page