Parasitic gastrointestinal infection results from the ingestion of parasitic organisms, usually by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. Contaminated drinking water occurs most frequently in rural areas of the developing world. In these areas, water and waste management is largely insufficient for the resident populations. Warm climates in tropic and subtropic places are more friendly to many parasitic diseases, too. Also, in some regions, human feces are used as fertilizer. Anyone living in or traveling to areas where these sanitation problems are widespread is at high risk for developing parasitic gastrointestinal infection.
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