The 10 most dangerous parasites that lurk in food

The tapeworm lives mainly in the intestines, where it attaches with hooks and suction cups, but it can also be found in other parts of the body. You can catch it by eating raw pig and boar meat (for example in the form of tartare) or by eating unwashed vegetables. Tapeworm larvae can penetrate the bloodstream and from there to vital organs of the body – even to the eye and brain. There they can cause permanent organ damage. Photo Shutterstock

Man is an intermediate host for the echinococcosis tapeworm. It most often becomes infected through contact with a sick animal, such as a dog, as tapeworm eggs spread to the hair when the animal excretes its faeces. That is why it is so important to wash your hands after playing with your pet. Cysts resulting from the development of echinococcosis are most often found in the lungs and liver. Photo Shutterstock

This type of tapeworm is extremely dangerous because the multi-chambered echinococcosis it causes is cancerous. Multi-chamber tapeworm is often transmitted by rodents, but it also happens to cats and dogs. If you notice mice in your home and rats in your basement, get rid of the rodents immediately. Photo http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinococcus_multilocularis#mediaviewer/Plik:Echinococcus_multilocularis.jpg

The most common cause of contracting toxoplasmosis is contact with an infected cat. It is an extremely dangerous disease that can lead to inflammation of the meninges and the brain. Moreover, in a pregnant woman infected with the protozoa, the fetus may become infected, which leads to dangerous, often incurable birth defects. The photo shows Toxoplasma gondii in the heart muscle Fig. BE&W

Infection with amoebiasis most often occurs through eating unwashed vegetables and fruit. Amoebiasis that develops as a result of an infection can take several forms. In mild cases, only cysts are excreted with the faeces, but in acute cases, amoebic abscesses occur in the intestine and even in the liver. Photo BE&W

Trichinella hair causes a disease called trichinosis. Trichinosis starts with a fever, and symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhea. In extreme cases, it can be fatal. Infection occurs by eating poorly prepared meat from an unreliable source – venison, for example. You can protect yourself against contamination by heat-treating the food. Photo Shutterstock

The family of Opisthorchiidae includes flukes, among others. Infection most often occurs after eating raw fish flesh. One of the complications of fluke disease may be bile duct cancer. Photo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opisthorchiidae#mediaviewer/File:Clonorchis.jpg

Human roundworm infection is one of the most common cases of helminthiasis in humans. Disease occurs through eating dirty vegetables and fruit, and also through contact with contaminated water (for example in a swimming pool). The first symptoms are weakness, coughing, swelling and allergic reactions. Photo Shutterstock

Cryptosporidium is pathogenic protozoa. The infection occurs through the digestive system, but it also happens through inhalation. Such cases are especially common in children. It manifests itself as diarrhea and vomiting. The photo shows Cryptosporidium in the gallbladder. Photo BE&W

American gimlet causes Chagas disease in humans. This insect is transmitted through the bites of bedbug. There is swelling at the site of the bite. Additional symptoms include fever and anorexia. Interestingly, a vaccine was invented to protect against Chagas disease, but its commercialization was not economical. Photo Shutterstock