Immune system vs. Parasites

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, in 2020, intestinal parasitic diseases were one of the main causes of mortality in developing countries. Parasites can produce various symptoms, including: growth disturbances, abdominal pain, anemia, prolonged diarrhea, and in individuals with immune deficiencies, death. The immune system is responsible for defending the body against the presence of infectious agents such as intestinal parasites. We have a defense system that has two components, innate and acquired immunity, which work as a team to destroy the pathogen. This article explains the different mechanisms that the defense system uses to combat this type of invaders, as well as how to prevent us from acquiring them.