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[Microbiology](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/) · [Parasites](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/#d-parasite)

# Other parasites of interest

- Parasites

Seven parasites that exams ask about even though they are rare: from the harmless trypanosome that mimics Chagas to the Guinea worm.

Updated 2026-11-01

## What they are

One protozoan and six helminths that complete the parasitology syllabus. Some matter in Colombia (Trypanosoma rangeli, Angiostrongylus costaricensis, Lagochilascaris minor, Dipylidium caninum); others are exam classics from other regions (Loa loa, Dracunculus) or from raw food (Gnathostoma, Anisakis).

## What they share

- Nearly all are zoonoses in which humans are accidental hosts.
- Several cause marked eosinophilia as they migrate through tissue.
- The diagnostic clue is usually the exposure: raw food, unfiltered water, pets with fleas, bushmeat.

## Key points

- Trypanosoma rangeli causes no disease but is confused with T. cruzi in blood and serology.
- Loa loa: Calabar swellings and an eye worm; diurnal microfilariae.
- Angiostrongylus cantonensis: eosinophilic meningitis; A. costaricensis: acute abdomen in children in the Americas.
- Dipylidium: toddlers who swallow dog or cat fleas; proglottids like rice grains.

## Microorganisms in this group

- [**Trypanosoma rangeli** A trypanosome that infects people without making them ill. It shares vectors with the Chagas parasite in Colombia and can confuse diagnosis. For completeness](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/trypanosoma-rangeli/)
- [**Loa loa** An African filarial worm that travels under the skin and sometimes crosses the eye. Day-biting flies spread it. For completeness](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/loa-loa/)
- [**Dracunculus medinensis** A worm caught by drinking water with water fleas. It comes out through a blister on the leg. It is on the verge of eradication. For completeness](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/dracunculus-medinensis/)
- [**Angiostrongylus (A. costaricensis, A. cantonensis)** Rat worms that reach humans through slugs and snails. One inflames the gut of children in the Americas; the other causes meningitis. For completeness](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/angiostrongylus/)
- [**Gnathostoma and Anisakis** Worm larvae that come with raw fish such as ceviche. One wanders under the skin; the other bites the stomach within hours. For completeness](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/gnathostoma-and-anisakis/)
- [**Lagochilascaris minor** A rare worm of the American rainforest that forms chronic abscesses in the neck, ear or throat after eating undercooked bushmeat. For completeness](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/lagochilascaris-minor/)
- [**Dipylidium caninum** A dog and cat tapeworm that passes to toddlers when they swallow a flea. Segments like rice grains show up in the nappy. For completeness](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/dipylidium-caninum/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which parasite in this group is caught by swallowing copepods in drinking water?

Dracunculus medinensis, the Guinea worm.

## Which two parasites in this group are linked to raw fish or ceviche?

Gnathostoma (freshwater fish) and Anisakis (marine fish and squid).

## Which parasite in this group causes chronic neck and ear abscesses in rainforest areas of the Americas?

Lagochilascaris minor.

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Educational content on microorganisms; not a treatment guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [CDC - DPDx - Angiostrongyliasis](https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/angiostrongyliasis/index.html) (CDC, 2024); [CDC - DPDx - Loiasis](https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/loiasis/index.html) (CDC, 2024); Parasitosis humanas (Botero y Restrepo), 5.ª ed. (Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), 2012).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/groups/other-parasites-of-interest/