Intestinal Parasites

The Digestive System

Common Intestinal Parasites

are Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm)

Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) Necator americanus (hookworm). Tapeworm pinworm

Main Causes

 ingestion of undercooked foods drinking infected water and skin absorption

General Symptoms

Abdominal pain Diarrhea Nausea and vomiting Gas or bloating Dramatic weight loss Feeling tired Passing worms in their stool Immune supression

Roundworm

The larva mature in the lungs. The adult worms produce eggs

which are shed in the feces. Most infections produce no

symptoms.

Whipworm Shaped like a whip, the

thin end is embedded in the mucosa while the thin end extends into the bowel lumen.

Colitis, dysentery and rectal prolapsed may occur in those with heavy infection.

Eggs are shed into the stool.

Hookworm

 human nematode infection The worms are about 1/2 inch long. Produces anemia treatment consists of iron

replacement

Tapeworm

Caused by eating raw or undercooked meat of animals infected with tapeworms

Grow in the intestines Segmented Eggs also be spread by infected

individuals with poor hygiene No major symptoms, but abdominal pain

may occur. Can be diagnosed by passing segments

through stool

The Tapeworm Cycle

Pinworm

Very small The most common intestinal worm infection in

the US Most common in school-age children Spread by direct contact The cycle Symptoms: intense itching difficulty sleeping Treatment: antivirus medication intense cleaning to kill eggs

Worm Video Clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baaq7Y5loZo

Kwashiorkor

A form of malnutrition that occurs when there is not enough protein in the diet Most common in areas where there is limited food supply. Symptoms: Changes in skin pigment Fatigue *Large belly that sticks out Swelling (edema)

Effects on health

malnutrition impaired growth. mental retardation death

Treatments

fiber-rich ingredients taking antibiotics Daily multivitamins Albendazole ( what we prescribe at

clinics)

Prevention Techniques

Wash all fruits and vegetables in clean water before eating

Wear shoes or slippers

Water from septic tanks or other potentially contaminated sources should not be used for watering vegetables.

Using a latrine, rather than in the bush or around the home or school.

Young children should be taught to use chamber pots, which can then be emptied into a latrine.

Children should be taught to wash their hands after using the latrine, after playing in dirty soil, after farming or gardening and before preparing or eating food.

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