Could parasites create a huge threat to our world in the near future?

10 Incredibly Dangerous Parasites

Parasites are one of the world's deadly wonders which haven't yet been fully explored or exploited. They come in many different kinds, and can be truly terrifying. The word "parasite" literally means "an organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense" which is why these organisms can prove to be such a threat. There are two main categories of parasites; Ectoparasites and Endoparasites. Ectoparasites live on the outer surface of its host whereas endoparasites live on the inside of the host. Endoparasites are also split into to groups; intercellular (parasites which inhabit spaces in the host's body) and intracellular (parasites that inhabit cells in the host's body). 

Hookworms

There are also other classifications of parasites, including "Epiparasites" which are parasites that feed off of other parasites, and "Parasitoids" that are parasites which purposely kill their host (most parasites try to keep their host alive so that they can keep mutiplying, therefore most deaths due to parasites are accidental). Parasites aren't restricted to humans, and there are thousands of different parasites which can effect a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, insects, fish, and more. Some parasites can even alter the minds of certain animals so that the parasite can spread to find another host.

Dog Roundworm (Toxocara Canis)

Parasites cannot be transferred by themselves though, and require a more complex transportation method than germs or viruses. Almost all parasites use what is called a "vector" which is basically just the carrier for the parasite. The vector is very rarely harmed by the parasite, as without the vector, the parasite would have no-where to go. The most common kind of vectors are insects, one of these being the Anopheles Mosquito which carries the Malaria parasite. Once the parasite is transferred to a suitable host, it begins its work to multiply or grow as much as possible before it or the host is destroyed. Parasites rely on gaining nutrition from it's host, therefore if the host dies the parasites cannot leave their dead host, and they will in turn, die.