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Doctors & specialists

Treatment & Specialist Finder

Finding the right medical professional is the most important step when you suspect a parasitic infection. Below are the types of specialists who diagnose and treat parasitic conditions in humans and animals.

Important disclaimer

This page is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute a referral or endorsement of any individual provider. Always verify credentials and consult your primary care physician for a referral.

Infectious Disease Specialists

Infectious disease (ID) physicians are the primary specialists for complex or unusual parasitic infections in humans. They have advanced training in diagnosing and treating infections caused by parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi — including rare or tropical parasites that general practitioners may not encounter regularly.

When to see this specialist

Suspected tropical parasite (malaria, leishmaniasis, Chagas), treatment-resistant infection, immunocompromised patients, or when a general practitioner is uncertain of diagnosis.

How to find one

Ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or search the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) physician finder at idsociety.org.

Internists (Internal Medicine Physicians)

Internists are general specialists in adult medicine and are often the first point of contact for suspected parasitic infections. They can order stool ova-and-parasite (O&P) tests, blood panels, and imaging, and treat common intestinal parasites such as Giardia, pinworm, and roundworm. For complex cases they will refer to an infectious disease specialist.

When to see this specialist

Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or a positive initial screening test. A good first step before seeking a subspecialist.

How to find one

Your primary care physician may be an internist. The American College of Physicians (ACP) has a physician locator at acponline.org.

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs)

Licensed naturopathic doctors take an integrative approach to parasitic conditions, combining conventional diagnostic testing with evidence-informed botanical and nutritional protocols. They may recommend herbal antiparasitic agents such as wormwood, black walnut hull, oregano oil, or garlic alongside dietary modifications. In licensed states, NDs can order lab tests and prescribe certain medications.

When to see this specialist

Patients seeking integrative or complementary approaches alongside conventional care, or those interested in holistic prevention and gut health support.

How to find one

Verify licensure in your state and search the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) directory at naturopathic.org.

Veterinarians (for Cats & Dogs)

For parasitic infections in pets, a licensed veterinarian is the appropriate first call. General practice vets diagnose and treat the most common parasites in cats and dogs — fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm, heartworm, and mange. For complex or unusual cases, they may refer to a veterinary internal medicine specialist or a veterinary parasitologist.

When to see this specialist

Any pet showing signs of parasitic infection: scratching, hair loss, scooting, visible worms in stool, weight loss, lethargy, or a positive fecal test. Annual wellness exams typically include fecal parasite screening.

How to find one

Search the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) directory at avma.org, or ask for a referral to a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist (ACVIM) for complex cases.

Always consult a professional

Do not attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat a parasitic infection. Stool tests, blood panels, and imaging ordered by a licensed clinician are required for accurate diagnosis. Treatment with prescription antiparasitic drugs must be supervised by a qualified healthcare provider.