Intestinal parasites are worms that parasitize the human intestine, feeding on its contents or sucking blood from the intestinal wall.
In humans they can cause serious and life-threatening diseases.They occur predominantly in children living in tropical and subtropical areas of rural Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Indonesia, and Central and South America.
In people from the Mediterranean areas of Europe and southern North America, they are relatively rare.
The size of an adult individual can vary from 1 millimeter to several meters.They invade the walls of the human intestine and begin to suck blood or live there freely, using nutrients.
The result of the vital activity of such parasites is inflammation of the small or large intestine, ulcers, anemia and vitamin deficiency (mainly A, C, B12).In severe cases, intestinal obstruction may occur and therefore it is necessary to contact a surgeon for help.
The larvae can also move to other organs (liver, spleen, bladder, muscles, lungs, brain), where they form cysts and cause allergic inflammation.
Invasion is the infection of humans, animals or plants by parasites of any kind (including worms).
Symptoms of infection
Intestinal parasites can live in a person's intestines for many years without causing any symptoms.
General symptoms and signs may appear several weeks or months after infestation and include paleness, weakness, frequent fatigue (from anemia due to loss of blood absorbed by the worms), sleep disturbances and weight loss.
Abdominal symptoms can last from several weeks to several months and include:
- Swelling.
- Bad breath.
- Loss of appetite.
- Vomit.
- Itching in the anal area.
- Diarrhea.
- Blood in the stool.
- The presence of worms or their particles in the feces.
- Itching and rash on the skin.
- Swelling around the eyes.
Sources of infection
The eggs of intestinal parasites enter the external environment together with the infected feces of people or animals.Outside the human body, the eggs take several days or weeks to develop into cysts or immature worms (larvae), which can enter the human body through dirty hands or when eating raw, unwashed vegetables.
Another source of infection is the consumption of undercooked meat of domestic pigs, fish or wild animals (boar, deer, etc.).
You can also become infected through fleas, which are carried by pets.
A certain type of intestinal parasite can penetrate the skin while swimming or walking barefoot;when they reach the small or large intestine they begin to develop into adults.
Types of intestinal parasites
Nematodes (roundworms)
Human roundwormfound all over the world.It reaches a length of 16 cm and is as thick as a pencil.
Nematodes are mainly found in tropical areas.Once they enter the intestine, they begin to suck blood from the intestinal wall.
pinworms.A white worm, reaching no more than half a centimeter in length.At night, they can surface from the anus and lay eggs in its area, causing severe itching.
Trichinella.They cause trichinosis;You can get the infection by eating contaminated, undercooked meat.
They can travel from the intestines to muscles and other organs, where they form cysts, encapsulated shapes that are difficult to get rid of.The main symptoms are pain in the abdomen, muscles, joints, swelling of the eyes and skin rash.
Trematodes
Blood flukescause intestinal schistosomiasis.They are mainly found in Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and South America.They are no longer than 25 mm and about 1 mm thick.Blood fluke eggs can be found in feces and urine.
Tapeworms
Broad tapewormenters the human body through consumption of contaminated fish.The parasite can reach 10 m in length.It is widespread in Europe and the United States.
Bovine and porcine tapeworm.You can get the infection by eating undercooked beef or pork.
The parasite is distributed worldwide, and people living in rural areas are particularly susceptible to infection.Adult worms can reach lengths exceeding 20 m.
Cucumber tapeworm.It is often found in domestic dogs and cats.People rarely become infected with this intestinal parasite because the main source of spread of cucumber tapeworm eggs is fleas.
Diagnostics and prevention
If you suffer from unexplained bloating, diarrhea, weakness, or weight loss, your doctor should first suspect intestinal parasites as a possible cause.To confirm this, you need to donate blood and feces for analysis.
For prevention, simply follow the following recommendations:
- Constantly wash your hands after using the bathroom, working with dirt and after contact with pets.
- Do not walk barefoot or swim in shallow, stagnant bodies of water.
- Handle meat products carefully.
- Undergo regular medical checkups.