Explain how parasites can make people ill using at least one examples of parasitic disease?

Parasites are organisms that live and feed off another organism, known as the host, and can cause various diseases in humans. They can make people ill by directly damaging tissues, organs, or cells, or by triggering an immune response that leads to inflammation and other harmful effects. One example of a parasitic disease is malaria.

Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a person, it injects the parasite into their bloodstream. The parasites then travel to the liver, where they multiply and mature. After a few days, they re-enter the bloodstream and invade red blood cells, where they continue to multiply.

As the parasites multiply within the red blood cells, they cause them to rupture, leading to the release of more parasites into the bloodstream. This cycle of invasion, multiplication, and rupture of red blood cells causes the characteristic symptoms of malaria, including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, malaria can lead to organ failure, coma, and even death.

The presence of the parasites in the bloodstream triggers an immune response, leading to the release of inflammatory molecules and the recruitment of immune cells to the infected areas. While this immune response is aimed at eliminating the parasites, it can also cause damage to healthy tissues and organs. Additionally, the immune response can sometimes become dysregulated, leading to excessive inflammation and further complications.

In summary, parasites like Plasmodium cause diseases like malaria by invading and multiplying within the host's cells, leading to tissue damage and triggering an immune response that can cause further harm.