Parasitic disease (paediatrics)

The most common parasitic diseases in childhood include both endoparasitoses and ectoparasitoses.

Ectoparasitoses[edit | edit source]

Ticks[edit | edit source]

In the Czech Republic, it is mainly the species Ixodes ricinus.

Carrier of zoonoses (Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., tick-borne encephalitis virus, Babesia, Ehrlichia,…)

Some species of ticks produce a tick toxin, which is injected into the body during salivary sucking after the tick is attached and causes symptoms similar to botulism (tick paralysis). In extreme cases, it can also cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles. The treatment is to remove the tick, often hidden in the head hair, behind the ears or around the genitalia; symptoms typically disappear within 15 minutes of removal. These types of ticks are mainly found in the USA and Australia.

Lice[edit | edit source]

Lice cause a disease called pediculosis. These are mainly the species "Pediculus humanus capitis" (child/head louse) and "Pediculus humanus corporis" (wardrobe louse). Children's lice stay mainly in the hair part of the head, suck blood (pruritus) and attach eggs ("nits") to individual hairs.

Fleas[edit | edit source]

Pulex irritans.

Scabies[edit | edit source]

Scabies is caused by the scabies mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. It consists of an exanthematous disease with typical "corridors" occurring mainly in places with thin skin (between the fingers, anterior axillary groove, areola of the breast), avoiding the hair, face, palms and flat feet. Microscopically, it is possible to demonstrate the defects. There is very intense pruritus, especially at night, and excoriations caused by scratching. The infection is transmitted through body contact or clothing.

Endoparasitoses[edit | edit source]

Intestinal disease[edit | edit source]

For more information see Gastrointestinal parasitosis.

Other endoparasitoses[edit | edit source]

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It belongs to the infections threatening the development of the fetus in the case of primary infection of the mother during pregnancy (TORCH group).