Individuals can contract parasites from many sources, including contaminated water or food, sexual contact or a bug bite. Some instances of parasitic contraction can be mild, while others can be extremely dangerous and even deadly.
On occasion, parasites can be transmitted from cats to pregnant women, causing a serious complication known as toxoplasmosis. Although people should try to avoid contracting a parasitic infection through prevention, there are some signs and symptoms to be aware of in case of disease.
Symptoms of Parasites in the Body
Depending on the parasite, a variety of symptoms may be present. According to the Center for Disease Control, symptoms of parasites can include intestinal problems, including gas, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Occasionally, stools may appear oily and float atop toilet water. Nausea and an upset stomach usually accompany the complications. It is important to note that symptoms of a parasitic infection may not appear for as many as seven days after an infection, to help avoid misdiagnosis.
Although intestinal issues can cause severe discomfort, it typically can resolve itself with little or no treatment. More severe symptoms, however, may require a doctor’s care. These symptoms include weight loss, extreme fatigue or nausea or a poor appetite. Any severe symptoms, including severe intestinal discomfort, should be addressed by a doctor to ensure proper treatment.
Signs in Fecal Matter and Blood
Doctors look for distinct signs in the fecal matter of a person who may be infected with parasites. The potentially infected person provides a stool sample as requested by the attending physician, usually in a specified bottle containing preservative fluid. The purpose of a fecal test is to determine if there are signs of parasitic eggs, also known as ova, in the stool. This is a distinct sign of a parasitic infection.
Blood tests have the capability of showing numerous signs of parasitic infection in people, although it is not certain in all cases. A serology may be performed to find antigens, or parasite antibodies, that have developed during the parasitic infection. Occasionally, a blood smear is preferred to distinguish relevant sings of parasites.
Seeking Doctor Care for Treatment
Any person who believes they may be suffering from a parasite infection should seek a doctor’s care to determine the cause. Select tests, such as the fecal matter test and blood tests can only be performed by a physician’s order. In some cases, the problems may be occurring from a much worse problem, and therefore should never be self-diagnosed.
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Source:
Medline: Parasitic Diseases, CDC: Parasitic Disease Information
Renee Holmes - Renee Holmes began her writing career when she was invited to join the Young Authors Club in the first grade. From that point on, writing ...
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