Parasitosis con manifestaciones clínicas gastrointestinales

Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract cause significant morbidity and mortality. Despite being more prevalent in developing countries with poor sanitary conditions, these infections occur worldwide, as immigration, international travel, dietary changes and food importation have resulted in an increased incidence of intestinal parasitosis, which compels us to be aware of this infection. In the developed world, protozoans are more frequently associated with gastrointestinal tract infections than are helminths. The clinical manifestations of these infections vary according to the parasite involved and the area of the gastrointestinal system that has been affected. These parasites often survive within the digestive tract for extended periods, although they can occasionally result in severe symptoms. The diagnosis of these infections is based on the patient's epidemiological history, immune status and clinical manifestations, as well as the ruling out of other gastrointestinal diseases and the results of microbiological tests.