Which of the following is a characteristic of parasitic infections?

Parasitic infections are known for their ability to disrupt the host's normal physiological functions, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Parasites often invade the host body and compete for essential nutrients, absorbing them for their own growth and reproduction. This competition can result in malnutrition or specific deficiencies, especially in individuals with chronic infections or when the parasite burden is high. For instance, intestinal parasites like Giardia or hookworms can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals essential for health.

The notion that parasitic infections are self-limiting might be true for certain mild infections; however, many parasites can persist in the host and cause chronic issues. Rapid weight gain is not typically associated with parasitic infections; instead, these infections often lead to weight loss due to malabsorption and metabolic disturbances. While some parasitic infections may cause fever as part of the immune response, not all parasitic infections present with this symptom, as many can be asymptomatic or have a range of non-specific symptoms.