Are there parasites in the blood?

Blood refers to a red liquid that flows in the heart and blood vessels inside the human body. Blood is composed of blood cells and plasma. It is the most important thing in our body and plays an important role in maintaining life. The blood in our bodies as adults accounts for about 1/13 of our body weight. Blood has functions such as transporting and regulating human body temperature and providing defense. Blood also has the function of transporting nutrients and carrying away waste. So we can know that blood is the most important component of the human body. But can parasites exist in our blood? Now let’s take a look at blood parasites.

Blood parasites are parasites that live in the blood or blood cells of animals. Generally, it may cause increased blood viscosity, thrombosis, insufficient blood supply to the brain, anemia and malnutrition, which is extremely harmful to health.

All parasites that live in the blood and blood cells can be detected in the blood. These protozoa and filarial worms live in human blood and red blood cells and need to be confirmed through blood tests or bone marrow tests. Commonly used methods are blood smear (thin blood smear and thick blood smear) and bone marrow puncture.

Common blood parasite tests include:

1. Plasmodium examination: Plasmodium is the pathogen of malaria, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. The common plasmodium are Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium falciparum. Peripheral blood smear examination for Plasmodium is a reliable method for diagnosing malaria. A positive result for Plasmodium can be used as a reliable basis for a confirmed diagnosis. A negative result cannot be used for diagnosis and requires multiple reexaminations or genetic diagnostic methods.

2. Microfilariae examination: Microfilariae are the protozoa of filariasis. The common filariasis infections in my country are Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi, both of which are transmitted by mosquitoes. Peripheral blood smear examination is the main method of diagnosis. A positive result is the basis for diagnosis, and a negative result requires multiple reexaminations.

3. Relapsing fever spirochetes examination: Relapsing fever spirochetes are the pathogen of relapsing fever and are transmitted by human lice. A positive result is the basis for diagnosis, while a negative result requires multiple reexaminations.

4. Toxoplasma examination: Toxoplasma is the pathogen of toxoplasmosis. Cats and felines are the main sources of infection, and humans generally test negative for infection. A positive result is the basis for diagnosis, while a negative result requires multiple reexaminations, or examination using immunological and genetic diagnostic methods.

5. Riedon body examination: Riedon bodies are the pathogen of kala-azar, a type of flagellate, and can often be examined through liver and spleen puncture fluid, as well as bone marrow and lymph node puncture fluid. A positive result confirms the diagnosis, while a negative result requires reexamination. [1]