Humans are the only known host, and about 209 million persons worldwide are infected. More than 30 percent of children worldwide are infected.
Globally, due to intestinal parasitic infections, around 3.5 billion people are affected and more than 200,000 deaths are reported annually.
There are many worms worldwide that can infest the bowels of people. Most of them are not a problem in Australia because of our climate and good standard of sanitation. Worms causing infection in people are parasites that live and breed mostly in the bowel (intestine).
Thanks in part to modern plumbing, people in the industrialized world have now lost almost all of their worms, with the exception of occasional pinworms in some children. Intestinal worms are properly called “helminths,” which most dictionaries will tell you are parasites.
Most people think parasitic diseases occur in poor and developing countries, or are infections they might pick up on a trip to a foreign country. However, parasitic infections also occur in the United States, and in some cases affect millions of people. Often they can go unnoticed, with few symptoms.
Why? Most people do not know they are infected or at risk, or don't have access to appropriate care. And often, health care providers are unfamiliar with these parasitic infections, and may not diagnose or treat them appropriately.
Deworming is not always necessary, but is recommended for children who live in endemic areas once a year when the prevalence of soil-transmitted parasitic worms in the community is over 20% and twice a year when the prevalence of soil-transmitted parasitic worms in the community is 50%.
The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 16.1% (36/224). The prevalence rate was 22.7% (20/88) in males and 11.8% (16/136) in females. Participants aged 41–60 years old had a higher prevalence rate at 20.7% (19/92) when compared to other age groups.
First, the clean-out process for the colonoscopy is very thorough (if you've had one you know what I mean) and it wipes out any obvious parasites. Even more important, is the fact that parasites actually live INSIDE the colonic wall which will not be seen with the camera.
Nausea or vomiting. Gas or bloating. Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus) Rash or itching around the rectum or vulva.
In Australia, the worm can infect anyone, but is most common in Indigenous Australian communities, refugees, returning overseas travellers and Vietnam veterans. Estimates suggest the prevalence of infection in Indigenous Australian communities is 35-60%.
Many people with giardiasis have minor symptoms that go away on their own. You may not need treatment. If you have more severe parasite symptoms, your provider may prescribe an antibiotic with antiparasitic effect to kill the parasite.
This diet may include avoiding greasy, processed foods and eating natural, whole foods. Some parasite cleansing diets ask the person to avoid specific types of foods, such as gluten, dairy, or pork. Diets may also include the use of anti-inflammatory herbs and spices, such as garlic, turmeric, and ginger.
From Contaminated Food and Water
Travelers may acquire parasitic illnesses: through ingestion of contaminated food or water, by vector-borne transmission, or. through person-to-person contact.
Symptoms generally last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. In people with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to illness such as HIV), symptoms may last longer. Healthcare providers can prescribe the appropriate antiparasitic medications to help reduce the amount of time symptoms last.
Intestinal parasites cause significant morbidity and mortality.
Occasionally, colonoscopy can reveal unexpected findings, including the presence of parasite infections, even if patients are asymptomatic.
Parasitic infections cause a tremendous burden of disease in both the tropics and subtropics as well as in more temperate climates.
It is estimated that around 80% of both adults and children have parasites in their gut. People can be infected with these parasites in a number of ways. The most common route is through the faecal oral route.
Should You Be Worried? “While it is widely acknowledged that infections with some parasites can cause significant complications, not all parasites are cause for concern. Some symptoms caused by parasites can clear up on their own, and individuals with a healthy immune system may not experience any symptoms.
Not deworming can cause malnutrition, intestinal perforation, death –Paediatricians.
Worm infestation can also lead to death.
On the surface, deworming looks like a non-threatening affair, but a lack of it can actually be fatal for you. It is mostly our daily, unhygienic habits that lead to worm infestation.
When infected with worms, it should be dewormed periodically, for adults and children over 2 years old should be dewormed 2 to 3 times a year, ie every 4 to 6 months.