Fascioliasis: The Parasitic Worm from Snails

I think it is a given that you should not drink water from ponds or lakes if you do not have the means to filter it.  When hiking or backpacking, sometimes you do have to drink water from rivers or streams because you cannot bring a lot of clean water.  In third world countries, sometimes clean water is not an option.  It is important to be educated about infections or diseases that can be acquired by drinking contaminated water, and one such infection is fascioliasis. 

Adiaspiromycosis: Parasitic Fungi In The Lungs

I find it beautiful when I see a cluster of mushrooms around a dead tree log.  Seeing the patterns they grow in and the shapes they express is a good experience.  However, I think when observing fungi in the outdoors, it is better to admire them from a distance.  Fungi may look beautiful, but that does not mean they are harmless.  One such family of fungi that can cause problems if you get to close is Emmonsia crescens, which causes a rare fungal infection called adiaspiromycosis.

Leishmaniasis: The Parasitic Infection That "Flies"

Most of the infections I have presented to all of you have been fairly rare conditions.  Transmissions have included being in contact with infected sharp objects and ingesting contaminated food or material.  However, today I came across an article, few years old, talking about an infections that was becoming a problem in the world.  This emerging infection is called leishmaniasis and what I find most unusual about this infection is that it is transmitted by sand flies.

Eumycetoma: Parasitic Takeover of the Skin

Personally, I find that infections that occur on the skin are the worst type of infections.  There are many deadly infections that occur inside the body and these are serious, however, infections that occur on the skin are visible and can be very terrifying to see on YOUR skin.  Skin infections are not rare, but there is a group of fungi that cause an unusual skin infection that progresses slowly.  This infection is called Eumycetoma.

Sparganosis: Parasitic Tapeworm Nuisance in East Asia

Whenever I travel, one thing I really look forward to is trying new foods.  I am sure a lot of people think the same way.  The excitement of trying new and exotic foods sounds so good that we may not stop and consider how the food was prepared. 

Lobomycosis: The Dormant Fungal Infection

Mycosis is the medical term used to describe fungal infections.  Fungal infections are common throughout the world; infecting the skin, organs or bloodstream.  Some infections span multiple locations while others stay local to certain parts of the world.  Usually infections occur when there is some sort of contact with fungal spores.  The more frightening fungal infections, in my opinion, are the ones that you did not know you got while traveling abroad.  One such fungal infection is Lobomycosis, also known as Lobo's disease.

Baylisascaris: The Raccoon Roundworm

Whenever you are outside, whether it be doing chores around your home or hiking at a national park, you should be mindful of sanitation.  This is especially important when wild animals roam around your home or tourist location.  There are some very nasty infections that people can get from wild animals, and one particular, rare infection that I will inform you all about is baylisascaris.

Welcome to Unusual Parasitic and Fungal Infections!

Hello everyone!


Welcome to the Unusual Parasitic and Fungal Infections blog!  In this blog, I will be presenting you all with interesting and useful information about infections that some of you might have never heard of.  I will showcase infections from around the world and focus particularly on infections caused by parasites and fungi.