A Paradigm Shift in the Study of Gastrointestinal Parasites: Sources, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Although our culture is generally considered a healthy population, our optimal health and well- being is being compromised by an increase in parasites and bacterial infections. Unfortunately, the American people and practitioners fail to recognize our vulnerability to parasite infection. As such, a paradigm shift needs to occur, leading practitioners to recognize the potential of a parasite infection in situations where patients present symptoms of unknown etiology. In this paper I will show the importance of this increased concern by examining the sources of parasites, why patients are so vulnerable, and the latest information on diagnosis and treatment.