Final answer:
Human parasitic infections can be caused by consuming raw or undercooked seafood that contains the larvae of various parasites, such as tapeworms from contaminated fish or schistosomes from contact with contaminated water.
Step-by-step explanation:
Human parasitic infections can be caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood containing the larvae of various parasites. One such example is a tapeworm infection known as taeniasis, which can occur from consuming undercooked fish that may contain the fish tapeworm, Diphyllobothrium species. Eating raw aquatic plants or freshwater fish contaminated with Fasciola spp. or Clonorchis spp. can also lead to parasitic infections.
Furthermore, the consumption of undercooked fish can result in herring worm disease, or anisakiasis. This disease is caused by nematodes that attach to the gastrointestinal tract, and its incidence has risen with the global popularity of dishes like sushi and sashimi. Another significant parasitic disease is schistosomiasis, caused by schistosomes, which is contracted by contact with contaminated freshwater and affects millions globally. Other parasitic diseases include giardiasis, caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia, commonly spread through contaminated food or water.
Parasitic infections like these highlight the importance of properly preparing and cooking seafood to prevent such diseases. Public awareness about the risks of consuming raw or undercooked fish is essential to decrease the incidence of these infections.