Overview
A rare parasitic disease is an infection caused by a parasite that is uncommon in the general population. Parasites are tiny organisms that live on or inside another living thing (called a host) and depend on that host to survive. These diseases can be caused by different types of parasites, including protozoa (single-celled organisms), helminths (worms), or ectoparasites (organisms that live on the skin). The Orphanet classification code 163588 refers to a broad grouping of rare parasitic diseases rather than one specific condition. Symptoms vary widely depending on which parasite is involved and which part of the body is affected. Common symptoms can include fever, fatigue, weight loss, skin rashes, digestive problems, and organ damage. Some rare parasitic infections affect the brain, eyes, liver, or lungs. Many of these infections are acquired through contaminated food or water, insect bites, or contact with infected animals or soil. Treatment depends on the specific parasite causing the infection. Antiparasitic medications are the main form of treatment, and the choice of drug depends on the type of parasite. Some infections can be fully cured with the right medication, while others may require long-term management. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent serious complications. Because these diseases are rare, they may be difficult to diagnose, and patients often need to see specialists with experience in tropical or infectious diseases.
Key symptoms:
Unexplained feverChronic fatigueUnintended weight lossSkin rashes or lumps under the skinAbdominal pain or bloatingDiarrhea or bloody stoolMuscle or joint painSwollen lymph nodesVision changes or eye painHeadaches or confusionCough or difficulty breathingItching or skin irritationEnlarged liver or spleenAnemia or low blood counts
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Rare parasitic disease.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Rare parasitic disease.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Rare parasitic disease.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What specific parasite is causing my infection, and how did I likely get it?,What treatment options are available, and how long will treatment last?,Are there any serious side effects from the medications I need to take?,Could this infection have caused any lasting damage to my organs?,Do I need follow-up tests to make sure the infection is fully cleared?,Is there any risk that I could spread this infection to family members?,What steps can I take to prevent getting this type of infection again?
Common questions about Rare parasitic disease
What is Rare parasitic disease?
A rare parasitic disease is an infection caused by a parasite that is uncommon in the general population. Parasites are tiny organisms that live on or inside another living thing (called a host) and depend on that host to survive. These diseases can be caused by different types of parasites, including protozoa (single-celled organisms), helminths (worms), or ectoparasites (organisms that live on the skin). The Orphanet classification code 163588 refers to a broad grouping of rare parasitic diseases rather than one specific condition. Symptoms vary widely depending on which parasite is involve