The human hosting of parasites is relatively rare in the United States, particularly in urban areas. But these problems can be present in immigrants or travelers that have spent time out of the country, bringing back an unexpected souvenir from trips to Asia, Africa and Latin American countries where parasites are more common.
Typical parasites include tapeworms, dog tapeworms, whipworms, roundworms, and Toxoplasma gondii, but there are many others. Most are ingested through the mouth or skin, usually through food, but there are many ways that a parasite can enter the body.
Because food and drink are risk factors, travelers to foreign lands are often advised to avoid eating raw foods or drinking unfiltered or unboiled water. Instead, travelers should live by the practice of cooking, peeling or boiling anything presented in a foreign country before consuming it.
Some parasitic infections occur because of poor sanitation practices at institutions or care centers, while still others may be acquired by sexual practices, including fecal ingestion.
MOST AT RISK
Elderly adults and children are most likely to be infected by parasites, and those having a weakened immune system caused by HIV or AIDS are also particularly vulnerable. Once acquired, how long a patient remains ill and how seriously ill is a matter of individual health and the specific parasite that caused the illness.
Parasites can make people extremely ill. If someone is pregnant and acquires a parasite, doctors will closely monitor both patient and the baby to be, micro-managing care so as not to harm the fetus.
One of the hazards of a parasitic infection for those in the United States is their relative rarity. A medical professional may not be familiar with it, and the patient may not even know they have the infection. That makes it difficult for doctors to ascertain what’s wrong.
If you suspect your illness may have stemmed from something you ate in a foreign country or during recent travel, it is important to mention that when presenting with symptoms so that the doctor may further investigate the cause and effects of the illness. Fortunately, drugs can kill most parasites, but quickly identifying the issue goes a long way toward solving the problem.
TYPES OF PARASITES
There are three main types of intestinal parasites: the protozoa, the helminths and the ectoparasites
1) The protozoa are one-celled organisms that are able to multiply in humans. They can develop from a single organism, making them particularly hard to detect in the early stages of infection. They are usually transmitted via fecal to oral contact (i.e, contaminated preparation in the kitchen), then live on in the blood or tissue. They can be transmitted between humans by insect bites from a mosquito or sand fly. Giardia and cryptosporidium are the two most common protozoa.
2) Helminth are many-celled worms. Roundworms, pinworms, or tapeworms are the most common types seen in the United States. Adult helminths can’t multiply in the human body.
3) Ectoparasites – This is generally used to describe fleas, ticks, lice and mites that can attach or burrow into the skin. They cause diseases on their own, but are mostly known for transmitting problems to others.
SYMPTOMS OF INFECTION
Although parasites may live in the host for years without any symptoms, their manifestation can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, a rash or itching in the rectum or vulva, dysentery, tiredness, stomach pain or tenderness, weight loss, or the most obvious sign, passing a worm in the stool.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Doctors will conduct a thorough physical and ask about patient history during the exam, inquiring about recent travel or other issues that may have put the patient at risk for acquiring a parasite.
Once a doctor has reason to believe a patient is suffering from an intestinal parasite, testing is in order. Tests include fecal testing, which is examining the stool for the presence of helminths and protozoa; a scotch tape test, where a piece of tape is touched to the anus several times, then examined under a microscope for the presence of microscopic eggs; or in some cases, doctors use X-rays with barium, which traces your intestinal system and illuminates what may be causing distress.
Drug therapy is usually the treatment once a specific parasite is discovered. A single dose of certain antibiotics may take out the parasite, but some stubborn and prolonged infections may require medication over several weeks. It is very important to follow the recommended doses exactly as prescribed, even when feeling better, in order to completely eradicate the parasite. Stopping before the prescription timing or dosage is gone may allow the remaining parasites to begin multiplying again.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Some doctors may recommend alternative or complementary therapies in conjunction with traditional medications. Any potential ingestion of alternative medicines, even common herbs, should be discussed with a doctor in order to avoid counteracting any traditional medications or lower their efficacy.
There are also some nutritional tactics to rid parasites. These include avoiding simple carbohydrates and sugars that are used by your unwanted passenger for energy. Topping the list are refined foods, juices, fruits, dairy and all sugars but honey. Eliminating these foods will starve the parasite of needed energy.
Patients may also eat more pumpkin seeds, raw garlic, beets, pomegranates, and carrots, all traditional sources of eliminating parasites. One research study concluded that a mixture of papaya seeds and honey cleared the stools of 23 out of 30 subjects.
It is also advisable to drink a lot of water in order to flush the system, and eat more fiber, which can help move worms out.
Some probiotics bacteria may be useful, but consult a doctor before use. Common probiotics recommended include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacilus plantarum, Saccharomyces boulardii and bifidobacteria, but be cautious as none are recommended if the patient has immune system issues.
Treatments usually restore normal health, and the patient can then resume regular activities without major issues.