Outline of parasitic diseases and organisms according to site/specimen

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Headshot of Joanna Breems, MD, FACP · Clinical Assistant Professor
Joanna Breems
MD, FACP · Clinical Assistant Professor
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  • Blood

    Plasmodium, Babesia, Trypanosoma, Microfilaria (Leishmania and Toxoplasma can be blood-bourne, but are not usually seen on the peripheral blood smear.).

  • CSF

    Trypanosoma brucei, Naegleria, Angiostrongylus (eosinophilic meningitis).

  • Brain

    Neurocysticercosis (Tinea solium), Toxoplasma.

  • Eye

    Acanthamoeba, Toxoplasmosis, Onchocerciasis, Loa loa, visceral larva migrans (Toxocariasis).

  • Mouth/Throat

    Ascaris.

  • Sputum/Lung

    Ascaris, Strongyloides, Pneumocystis, Paragonimus.

  • Abdomen/Ascites

    Echinococcal cysts, Entamoeba histolytica (liver abscess), visceral leishmaniasis, Schistosoma portal hypertension with ascites, without cirrhosis.

  • Stool

    Cysts and Trophozoites of many GI protozoa, ova and parasite of most worms (larva of Strongyloides).

  • Urine

    Ova Schistosoma haematobium.

  • Vaginal fluid

    Trichomonas.

  • Lymphatics

    Microfilaria (e.g., Wuchereria), Trypanosoma.

  • Muscle

    Trichinosis, Cysticercosis, Onchocerciasis.

  • Skin

    Cutaneous larva migrans, cutaneous leishmaniasis, Onchocerciasis, myiasis, scabies, lice (and other ectoparasites).

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