A parasite is an organism, or small animal, that lives in or on and takes its nourishment from another organism. An intestinal parasite lives in the intestines (guts). Common ones include roundworms, pinworms, hookworms, tapeworms and liver flukes.

 

Symptoms

 

Infection with a small number of parasites may be asymptomatic. For those who have symptoms, the following may occur:

 

• Abdominal distention
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Weight loss
• Anal itchiness
• In the case of tapeworm infection, passing tapeworm segments in stool
• Some severe complications may include intestinal obstruction, anaemia, obstruction and inflammation of bile ducts.

 

Intestinal parasites and modes of transmission

 

1. Roundworms are round and long, and the length can reach 20 cm. Infections are acquired through ingestion of food contaminated with their eggs. Hands with contaminated soil can also be the transmission media.
2. Pinworms (also called threadworms) are about 1 cm in length and whitish in colour, which resemble short pieces of threads. They inhabit the human large intestine and migrate to the anus at night to lay eggs. This may result in local itchiness. If the patient take the contaminated foods could result in infection. Children are at higher risk of acquiring the infection.
3. Hookworms are about 1 cm long, round and curved. They inhabit the human intestine and attach to the intestinal wall, resulting in blood loss and causing the host to become anaemic. Human contact with contaminated soil, such as working barefoot in fields, may result in these larvae penetrating through the skin and causing infection.
4. Tapeworms are flat and could be up to 6 m long. They are segmented and white or pale yellow in colour. They inhabit the human small intestine and their eggs are passed out with stool. Ingestion of these undercooked contaminated pork, beef or fish may result in infection.
5. Liver flukes are flat and about 1 to 2 cm long. They live in the human bile duct in the liver and their eggs are passed out with stool. After ingestion by snails and then released into water, they will come in contact and penetrate the flesh of some freshwater fish. Ingestion of these undercooked contaminated fish may result in infection.

 

Diagnosis

 

Patients with suspected infection will be suggested to have out an examination of stool. It may take several stool samples to confirm the parasite’s presence.

 

Treatment

 

Most parasitic infections can be completely eradicated by medication.

 

Prevention

 

1. Maintain good personal hygiene. Citizens should wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel or hand dryer.
2. Maintain good food hygiene. Citizens should avoid high-risk food like raw or undercooked meat, especially beef, pork and fish, and clean and wash food thoroughly.

 

The above information is for reference only, please consult your doctor for detail.