Definition: Organisms that invade the digestive system with the potential for stealing important nutrients and harming tissue. Less common in civilized countries, intestinal parasites can enter the body by eating uncooked or unwashed foods or contacting feces.
Intestinal Parasites
By Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D., About.com
Updated October 28, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
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