Title: Intestinal Parasites
Key words: parasitic infections, common parasites, signs and symptoms, investigations, treatment,
Date: Oct 2000
Category: The Gut
Type: Article
Author: Dr C Forsyth
Intestinal Parasites
The presence of intestinal parasites can be easily overlooked and investigations can be unreliable, yielding false negative results. common parasites in the UK are :Dientamoeba fragilis, Endolimaz nana, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba hartmanni, Entamoeba coli, Cryptosporidium, Blastocystis hominis. A high index of suspicion is required together with appropriate investigations at a high quality laboratory.
Signs and symptoms of Parasitic Infections
|
Abdominal pains & cramps Altered intestinal permeability Anorexia Arthritis Autoimmune disease Bloody stools & rectal bleeding Chronic fatigue Colitis Constipation Crohn's disease |
Depressed secretory IgA Diarrhoea Distension Dysentery Fever Flatulence Food intolerance Foul smelling stools Gastritis Headaches Inflammatory bowel disease |
Irregular bowel movementsIrritable bowel syndrome Leucopenia Low back pain Malabsorption Pruritis ani Rash & pruritis Urticaria Vomiting Weight Loss |
Investigations:
* Parascope Laboratory (see Directory)
Treatment:
Identification and treatment of predisposing factors and secondary effectsCorrection of nutritional deficienciesBotanical anti-fungals - citrus seed extract, berberis, artemisia annua, garlic, white willow concentrate, etc.Anti- parasitic drugs