Hobbies And Interests
Worms
A variety of parasitic worms are known to live inside people, including tapeworms and roundworms. Worms are introduced to people either through the environment or through contaminated food or water. Although they are normally not dangerous, most worms cause digestive problems and infections. According to Rebecca Hernandez's "Tapeworm" article, worms can live inside people undetected for years, and can lay up to a million eggs a day.
Micro-Organisms
Dental Streptococcus, shingles, bacteroides and viruses, which are smaller than bacteria, are a few of the many strange micro-organisms that live in people. Viruses are destructive organisms that kill host cells, and can eventually kill us. AIDS, polio, and influenza are examples of diseases caused by viruses. Dental streptococcus is a bacteria with us at birth, and its secretions form the basis for plaque. Shingles is a virus that is introduced through chicken pox. Shingles remain in the body and may cause painful rashes as we age or when our immune system is weakened.
Amoebozoa
Amoebas are one-celled organisms that usually enters the body through contaminated food and water, especially in areas with unsanitary conditions. Most amoebae are relatively harmless, except for ones like entamoeba histolytica, which causes amebiasis. Mild effects are stomach pain and cramping, but when severe, dysentary sets in and causes stomach pain, fever and bloody stools. In rare cases, it can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and lungs.
Demodex Mites
Demodex mites are arthropods that live inside eyelash hair follicles. According to "Your Body Is a Planet," these cigar-shaped parasites are 0.3 millimeters long and infest about 20 percent of people under age 20. As they are more likely to infect the elderly. Demodex mites are essentially harmless, although they will go for a walk on your face from time to time.