Certain social and economic factors have resulted in dangerous parasites appearing in new countries and parts of the world.
According to a report by The Conversation, the parasites can range from one-celled to large tape worms, and the website listed five parasites appearing in new locations.
1. Halicephalobus gingivalis is found worldwide, and while harmful to horses, human infections are rare except for those with compromised immune systems, who experience fatal meningoencephalomyelitis from the worm, according to the report.
2. Taenia solium is a pork tapeworm that can cause seizures in humans, and has rarely been seen in the United Kingdom and United States but is usually found in South America, Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
3. Naegleria fowleri can cause rare brain infections and neurological complications with a nearly 100 percent fatality rate. The parasite has been found in South America and Asia, as well as Australia, United States and the United Kingdom, reports The Conversation.
4. Cryptostrongylus pulmoni can damage brain functions and one study linked the roundworm to chronic fatigue syndrome.
5. Spirometra erinaceieuropae mainly infect amphibians, crustaceans, cats and dogs but human infections have been attributed to areas like China, and one famed case from England where it appeared for the first time, according to the report.
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