About Intestinal Parasites

There are three major kinds of intestinal parasites that afflict human beings. Protozoa, tapeworms, and roundworms can reside in both the large and small intestine, with some species of these able to travel to other places within the body. Intestinal parasites can be extremely small or easily visible to the naked eye. They are a problem throughout the world, especially in underdeveloped nations with poor sanitation.

Causes

• Intestinal parasites make their way into the human body via a number of methods. Those that exist in the soil can get in via openings in the skin or if soil is accidentally consumed. Parasites that live in food sources such as pigs and cattle can be ingested. Human and animal waste can contaminate water supplies, leading to the growth and eventual spread of parasites. People already infected with parasites can pass them on to others through unintentional contact with their feces.

Roundworms

• A frequently seen intestinal parasite is a roundworm known as Ascaris lumbricoides. It thrives where cleanliness is lacking, and is fairly common in the southeastern United States. The eggs of this parasite can be ingested with raw food that has come in contact with infected soil or be laid in the intestines of someone who is already infected. This parasite's eggs will hatch and the larvae will gradually make their way to the intestines, where they can grow to as long as 1 foot. This roundworm will often produce no symptoms, except for mild stomach pain. They can be passed out of the body through a bowel movement. Other types of roundworms can cause diseases in a similar manner, invading the intestines and reproducing there. Hookworms and pinworms are widespread kinds of this particular parasite.

Protozoa

• Giardia lamblia is the name of the single-celled protozoan creature that is capable of contaminating water, which can result in a disease known as giardiasis. This condition causes diarrhea, upset stomach, and severe cramping. People who swim in, drink or are otherwise exposed to water that has been tainted by this parasite can become ill. The organism will get into the intestines and attach itself to the wall, where it will affect the person's system. Other protozoan parasites can cause diseases such as amebiasis, cyclosporiasis and cryptosporidiosis; they are all intestinal ailments that involve diarrhea and loss of appetite, among other unpleasant symptoms.

Tapeworms

• Tapeworms gain access to people when they eat fish or meat that contains the larvae. Pork, beef and fish tapeworms are the three most frequently encountered species. The larvae will gladly attach themselves to the intestinal lining once they have been consumed and then feed off the person's system. They can grow to great lengths, with some reaching as long as 20 feet. The eggs will pass out of the body through the feces and make their way into the soil, where they are ingested by animals to complete the cycle. There are often no signs of a tapeworm, but some can lead to diseases such as trichinosis, with a variety of symptoms like fatigue, vomiting, nausea and muscle pain.

Treatment

• Doctors can diagnose intestinal parasites by examining samples of a person's feces for eggs, larva or the adult parasite. Depending on whatever creature is causing the problem, medications can be administered that help relieve the symptoms and also kill the parasite. Dehydration from parasites is always a worry, so people diagnosed with them are advised to drink large amounts of fluids. Severe instances of intestinal parasites may need hospitalization.