Diseases
Intestinal Helminths
Intestinal helminths are parasitic worms that can cause various diseases and are often transmitted through contaminated water or food.
Transmission and Diagnosis
Intestinal helminths are parasitic worms that can infect the human gastrointestinal tract. They belong to various taxonomic groups, including nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms), and trematodes (flukes). These worms can cause various diseases, ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to more severe conditions.
Transmission of intestinal helminths typically occurs through the ingestion of contaminated water or food, particularly in regions with inadequate sanitation and hygiene. Direct contact with infected individuals or animal hosts can also contribute to transmission.
Diagnosis of intestinal helminths often involves the detection of eggs or larvae in stool samples through microscopic examination. In some cases, specialized diagnostic tests such as serological tests or imaging techniques may be used. Timely diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid complications and control the spread of infection.
Intestinal helminths that can be tested for through a stool sample include:
Ancylostoma spp. are parasitic worms belonging to the family Ancylostomidae. They can be transmitted through skin penetration of larvae or ingestion of contaminated water or food. Symptoms of infection may include anemia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Diagnosis is typically made by detecting eggs in the stool, and treatment usually involves anthelmintics such as albendazole or mebendazole.
Ascaris spp., such as Ascaris lumbricoides, are common intestinal helminths. Infection occurs through ingestion of eggs from contaminated soil. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and intestinal obstruction. Diagnosis is made by detecting eggs in the stool, and treatment usually involves anthelmintics such as albendazole or mebendazole.
Enterobius vermicularis is responsible for enterobiasis and spreads through ingestion of eggs from contaminated food or direct contact. Symptoms include anal itching, sleep disturbances, and occasionally abdominal pain. Diagnosis is often made by detecting eggs in the stool or through the tape test. Treatment usually involves mebendazole.
Hymenolepis spp., such as Hymenolepis nana and Hymenolepis diminuta, are transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Symptoms are usually mild and include abdominal pain and diarrhea. Diagnosis is made by detecting eggs in the stool, and treatment usually involves anthelmintics such as praziquantel or niclosamide.
Enterocytozoon spp./Encephalitozoon spp. are intracellular parasites that can cause microsporidiosis. Infection occurs through ingestion of contaminated water or food. Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Diagnosis is often made by detecting parasites in tissue samples, and treatment varies depending on the species and severity of the infection.
Necator americanus is another parasitic worm transmitted through skin penetration of larvae or ingestion of contaminated soil. Symptoms of infection may include anemia, abdominal pain, fatigue, and sometimes skin rashes. Diagnosis is made by detecting eggs in the stool, and treatment includes anthelmintics such as albendazole or mebendazole.
Strongyloides spp., such as Strongyloides stercoralis, are transmitted through skin contact with contaminated soil. Symptoms may include skin rashes, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and respiratory problems. Diagnosis is made by detecting larvae in the stool or tissue samples. Treatment usually involves anthelmintics such as ivermectin or albendazole.
Taenia spp., such as Taenia solium and Taenia saginata, are transmitted through ingestion of raw or undercooked meat. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss, although many infections are asymptomatic. Diagnosis is made by detecting eggs or proglottids in the stool. Treatment typically includes anthelmintics such as praziquantel or niclosamide.
Trichuris trichiura is transmitted through ingestion of food or water contaminated with eggs. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes anemia. Diagnosis is made by detecting eggs in the stool, and treatment usually involves anthelmintics such as albendazole or mebendazole.
Further informations
Intestinal Helminths
- Ancylostoma spp.: Helminths (Nematodes) - Hookworm
- Ascaris spp.: Helminths (Nematodes) - Roundworm
- Enterobius vermicularis: Helminths (Nematodes) - Pinworm
- Hymenolepis spp.: Helminths (Cestodes) - Tapeworm
- Enterocytozoon spp./Encephalitozoon spp.: Microsporidia (Protozoa) - Microsporidium
- Necator americanus: Helminths (Nematodes) - Hookworm
- Strongyloides spp.: Helminths (Nematodes) - Threadworm
- Taenia spp.: Helminths (Cestodes) - Tapeworm
- Trichuris trichiura: Helminths (Nematodes) - Whipworm
- Ancylostoma spp.: Common transmission routes include larval skin penetration (through contact with contaminated soil) or ingestion of contaminated water or food.
- Ascaris spp., Enterobius vermicularis: Most commonly transmitted through ingestion of eggs adhering to contaminated surfaces (e.g., bedding, clothing).
- Hymenolepis spp.: Ingestion of contaminated water or food containing tapeworm eggs.
- Enterocytozoon spp./Encephalitozoon spp.: Infection through consumption of food or water contaminated with microsporidia.
- Necator americanus: Larval skin penetration, ingestion of contaminated soil.
- Strongyloides spp.: Skin contact with contaminated soil.
- Taenia spp.: Consumption of raw or undercooked meat containing tapeworm larvae.
- Trichuris trichiura: Infection through ingestion of food or water contaminated with eggs.
- Ancylostoma spp.: Anemia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, rash (due to larval migration).
- Ascaris spp.: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, possible intestinal obstruction.
- Enterobius vermicularis: Anal itching, sleep disturbances, abdominal pain.
- Hymenolepis spp.: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss.
- Enterocytozoon spp./Encephalitozoon spp.: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, other symptoms depending on the affected organ.
- Necator americanus: Anemia, abdominal pain, fatigue, rash.
- Strongyloides spp.: Rash, diarrhea, abdominal pain, respiratory problems.
- Taenia spp.: Abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, other symptoms depending on the affected organ.
- Trichuris trichiura: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, anemia.
- Ancylostoma spp.: Walking barefoot in contaminated areas, unsanitary environment, poor hygiene.
- Ascaris spp.: Poor hygiene, consumption of raw or undercooked vegetables.
- Enterobius vermicularis: Poor hygiene, close living quarters in communal settings.
- Hymenolepis spp.: Poor hygiene, consumption of raw or undercooked meat or fish.
- Enterocytozoon spp./Encephalitozoon spp.: Immunocompromise, contact with contaminated water or food.
- Necator americanus: Walking barefoot in contaminated areas, unsanitary environment, poor hygiene.
- Strongyloides spp.: Walking barefoot in contaminated areas, unsanitary environment, poor hygiene.
- Taenia spp.: Consumption of raw or undercooked meat or fish.
- Trichuris trichiura: Poor hygiene, consumption of contaminated food or water.
