Infection and Immunity - Essay Example

This particular disease syndrome, i.e. parasite or parasitic burden, can be found in dissimilar regions throughout the globe, impacting the physical, social and psychological aspects of humankind at large (Lomborg, 2004; Sweet & Gibbs, 2009). Based on this issue, the paper will intend to discuss the common human parasites found in the UK. The paper will further aim towards providing critical justification to the statement that parasite burden in the UK is actually increasing the challenges for the healthcare system of the nation.

Discussion Critics have often argued that parasite burden in the UK is placing immense pressure on the healthcare system of the nation. Reports published in respect of this issue revealed that the most common human parasites, typically found in the UK, are worms and other intestinal parasites. These human parasites infect the human body causing harmful or severe parasitic infections which in the long-run gives rise to morbidity as well as increasing the risk of mortality (Nature Cures, 2010).

The symptoms of these common human parasites encompass nausea, headache, anaemia, nervousness, rashes and weight loss among others (Berger & Marr, 2006). To be precise, threadworms, which are also acknowledged as pinworms, are often examined to be the most common human parasites prevalent in the UK. This specific human parasite, i.e. threadworms or pinworms, are mainly found in young children aged below 10 years. Failure to diagnose and deliver adequate medical attention to the matter may result in enterobiasis along with other effects including increased risk for diarrhoea, which can even cause death of the child at a very young age.

The longevity of this human parasite can be prevented by adopting as well as executing certain significant measures. These measures comprise practicing hygienic habits, for example, instructing the children towards cleaning their hands regularly, not scratching the infected area and wearing cotton gloves at the time of sleeping among others (NHS, n.d.). Notably, the indications of this human parasite, i.e. threadworms or pinworms, commonly comprise weight loss, skin infections, vomiting, appetite loss and intense itching among others (NHS, n.d.; World Health Organization, 1995).

In order to justify the statement that the parasite burden in the UK is placing immense pressure on the currently practiced healthcare system, various facts can be identified which advocates this particular conviction as true and logical. In the UK, a majority of young children, below the age of 10 years, are identified to be affected by human parasites which mostly belong to the category of threadworm or pinworm. From a critical perspective towards evaluating the importance of delivering on-time and adequate care facilities to the hosts of human parasites, it can be apparently observed that failure to assist individuals with adequate healthcare might even cause mortality.

However, owing to the limited knowledge of the parents and the dependability of children to communicate their problems unambiguously, healthcare professionals often face problems in diagnosing and treating the children playing host to such parasites. Additionally, with the increasing mortality rates and the simultaneous growth in the ageing population rate, the healthcare sector of the UK has been witnessing significant pressure (Nature Cures, 2010). Reports have further depicted that on an average, around 1.

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