As mentioned in previous posts, hookworms in humans do not bear any prominent symptoms and due to this reason about 70% of people may suffer from the infection without having a single clue about it.

The infection of hookworms in humans occur in two ways; one through the skin and the other through dogs. The disease caused by hookworms in humans mostly occur in warm, humid climates – meaning, these intestinal parasites cannot survive in climates other than tropical or sub tropical. More on intestinal parasites in humans.

Hookworms are attributed as blood suckers as they suck blood from the host’s intestinal walls and damage the mucosa. It has been known that an adult hookworm sucks about 0.1mL of blood everyday. So you can estimate the amount of blood loss which can be caused by an infestation of 1500 hookworms – 150mL per day! The ill effect which follows is anemia, secondary to loss of iron (and protein) in the gut. Hookworm infection is more severe in children, as it might cause growth retardation. So as soon as a parasite infection is suspected the wisest thing would be to initiate the treatment immediately.

Symptoms of Hookworms in Humans

There are no specific signs of hookworms in humans, particularly at the start of the infection. However, people who suffer from long-term infection tend to be thin, tired and weak. Anemia may be associated with the symptom which occur due to heavy infestation of these intestinal parasites.

Probable symptoms of an infection might occur in an event where a person has been affected by a large number of larvae include itchy rash, cough, fever, abdominal discomfort and vague abdominal pain, increased gas production, bloody sputum, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. In some cases, coughing, wheezing, diarrhea, pallor, fatigue, black stools, malaise, eggs and blood in the stool might also show up as some of the symptoms of hookworms in humans.

Treatment for Hookworms in Humans

Local cryotherapy is usually administered when the parasite is till under the skin. Medicines such as medendazole or albendazole are recommended for the treatment as they help in killing the adult worms. Pyrantel pamoate is another medicine which can be used by both humans as well as dogs, however, the dosages vary.

It is advisable to get proper information about the adequate amount of dosages required for both adults and children from a chemist or most preferably from a doctor. However, studies have revealed that a moderately small number of hookworms in humans do not raise any concern, provided there is enough iron in the diet. Problems occur when these parasites in the human body grow rapidly and increase in numbers.

As hookworms affect people in tropical and subtropical regions, it is a good practice for the natives to wear shoes when they go out of their homes. This is because, majority of people are affected by the larva of these worms when an unsuspecting person or animal walks on them. These parasites then make their way from the foot to the intestines.

Because hookworms are a common parasite in dogs, it is also wise to do regular de-worming of your pet dogs (if you have any). Although, worms in dogs do not reach its maturity as in humans, but they cause nasty rash. So these are some of the prevention methods that should be followed in order to minimize the chances of infection by hookworms in humans. As mentioned, staying healthy and including sufficient iron content in your diet also keeps a check on the growth of the worms in humans and helps curb any infections.

article written by: Rajib Singha

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

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Toxoplasma, The Most Dangerous Cat Parasite

Live Whipworm Squirming Around Inside Intestines

Veterinarians estimate that up to 45% of felines in the United States are infected with some type of parasite. Feline parasites may be worms such as roundworms, hookworms, or tapeworms or one-celled protozoan parasites such as coccidia or toxoplasma. Over time, these parasites can leech the life out of a cat, until she becomes too weakened to sustain herself. In addition, there are some feline parasite infections that can transfer from a cat to a human. Obviously, parasites in cats is not something you want your family pet to come down with.

How Do I Know If My Feline Has Parasites?

Cats that are infected with parasites may not exhibit any symptoms at all, or they may present with a variety of disconcerting conditions. Some symptoms that are common in feline parasite infections include dull hair coat, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stool, appetite changes, and a swollen belly. If left untreated, the vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, and dehydration caused by intestinal parasites will weaken a cat’s immune system, making her more susceptible to other infections and diseases.

Most Common Types of Feline Parasites

Parasitic Worms:

Roundworms — Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara cati are the two most common intestinal feline parasites. Adult roundworms can reach a length of three to five inches long as they mature in the cat’s small intestines. A cat can become infected with these parasites from direct contact with contaminated food or feces. Kittens may also become infected from drinking their mother’s milk if she is carrying the worms.

If roundworms are left untreated, they will continue to multiply until their number become life-threatening to the cat. Because these harmful organisms are so large, they can cause intestinal blockage if they are present in great numbers. This type of blockage will lead to a severe case of constipation in cats. Small kittens in particular may be in serious danger if they become infected with roundworms.

A veterinarian will test for roundworm with a fecal examination. He or she will be able to detect parasite eggs in the cat’s stool during a microscopic examination. Deworming medications are usually effective at treating roundworm infections.

Roundworms can be transmitted from felines to humans. This happens most frequently in children and seniors whose immune systems may be weakened. These parasites can cause diseases such as visceral larval migrans and ocular larval migrans.

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Hookworms — Hookworms such as Ancylostoma and Uncinaria are significantly shorter than roundworms, only reaching a length of about one half inch long. Because of their small size, hookworms usually cannot be seen in the cat’s feces with the naked eye. These types of parasites can live for a long time. While it is unusual, there have been cases of hookworms living in a cat for its entire life.

Some felines can become infected by hookworms that penetrate their skin or are ingested with their food. Once inside the body, hookworms will migrate to the cat’s lungs and then on to the intestines. Severe cases of hookworm can cause anemia due to blood loss from the intestines where these parasitic worms attach themselves. Felines can die from a hookworm infection if too much blood is lost. Fortunately, hookworms are easily diagnosed with a microscopic fecal examination and treated with medication.

Like roundworm, hookworms can also be transmitted to humans. Once inside the human body, these types of parasites can cause digestive disorders as well as a type of dermatitis called cutaneous larval migrans.

Tapeworms — Tapeworms, or Cestodes, have long flattened bodies and attach themselves to the small intestine. As the adult tapeworm reaches maturity, segments of its body will break off and pass into the feces. These segments may be visible to the naked eye around the cat’s anus, or in his feces.

Tapeworm segments are white and flat and approximately one-quarter inch long. They may resemble grains of rice or sesame seeds. But even though these feline parasites may be startling to see, they are not usually seriously detrimental to the cat if they are treated quickly.

A cat may become infected with tapeworms by consuming contaminated fleas or rodents. Medications can be used to treat tapeworm infections, but steps must also be taken to reduce rodent and flea populations if re-infection is to be prevented.

Some tapeworm species that infect cats can also infect and cause diseases inside the human body. Good hygiene can reduce the risk of picking up a tapeworm infection from a cat.

Protozoan Parasites

Coccidia — Feline parasites of the coccidia species are tiny, one-celled organisms that are responsible for the disease coccidiosis. Cats can become infected with this parasite by eating or coming in contact with contaminated feces.

These feline parasites do not usually harm adult cats, however they may cause significant disease in kittens. A veterianarian can accurately diagnose this protozoan parasite and treat it with medication. Coccidia cannot be transmitted from cats to humans.

Toxoplasma — The Toxoplasma parasite is the one most commonly associated with cats. Infection with this protozoan feline parasite is fairly common, as cats can become infected by eating any of the three infective stages of the parasites. Toxoplasma may not cause any noticeable symptoms in the infected feline; however these feline parasites can be transmitted to humans. Inside the human body, Toxoplasma are responsible for the disease known as toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis attacks many parts of the body, causing serious illness and death.

It is important to note that some of these organisms found in felines, are also common dog parasites as well. If you have both dogs and cats living inside your home, be sure to have both animals checked out and treated.

article written by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

What Causes Ringworms in Humans?

Toxoplasma, The Most Dangerous Cat Parasite

Live Whipworm Squirming Around Inside Intestines

The colon, or large intestines, is one of the most important organs in the body. It is where your body absorbs the nutrients you get from food. This is where the body takes what it needs from the food in order to survive. It is also a depository of waste where the body drops off toxins and excess nutrients that could be harmful to the system.

It is therefore imperative that the colon is functioning properly in order for the overall health of the body to be maintained. Unfortunately, the colon is also a happy breeding ground for dangerous invaders such as bacteria, yeasts, fungus, and colon parasites. The overall amount of risks will vary from person to person, depending on each individual lifestyle and diet choices.

Intestinal parasites can be particularly dangerous to the health of the colon, as they not only leech nutrients from the body and destroy the permeability of the colon, they also emit harmful toxins that can further weaken the colon’s integrity. Here is a closer look at colon parasites and what you can do to repel these dangerous organisms.

List of 7 Common Colon Parasites

• Giardia lamblia — Giardia are protozoan parasites that commonly infect humans via the consumption of contaminated food and water. This common colon parasite is commonly found in untreated water supplies, and therefore frequently infects travelers and hikers. If you are not sure of the quality of the drinking water, make sure to use a good water filter to purify it. Giardia is responsible for the condition known as giardiasis that causes diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramping, weight loss, greasy stools, and dehydration.
• Toxoplasma gondii — The Toxoplasma parasite is another protozoan organism that can make its home in the colon. It is commonly found in cats and dogs and can be easily transmitted to humans by the handling of cats and/or their feces. It is also possible to become infected by breathing in the parasite’s eggs. Toxoplasma is responsible for the disease toxoplasmosis that can cause chills, fever, headaches and fatigue. If a pregnant woman contracts this condition, it can lead to serious birth defects such as blindness, mental retardation, and even miscarriage.



• Roundworms — Roundworms are colon parasites in the Nematoda family. They are the most common intestinal parasite in the world, affecting over one billion people worldwide. Roundworms are also one of the largest parasites, as they can grow to up to thirty inches in length. These parasitic worms are found throughout the world, primarily in tropical and subtropical areas.

  Humans can contract a roundworm infection by eating improperly cooked meat or by handling felines infested with parasites. Symptoms of a roundworm infection include loss of appetite, allergic reactions, coughing, abdominal pain, edema, sleep disorders, and weight loss. Children may present these symptoms as well as failure to thrive, nervousness, and colic.

• Hookworms — Hookworms are able to penetrate the human skin. These colon parasites can enter the body through the feet in individuals that walk barefoot through contaminated areas. They can be found throughout the world in warm, moist tropical areas. A hookworm infection may cause symptoms such as itchy skin, blisters, nausea, dizziness, anorexia, and weight loss. Hookworms can live in the intestines for up to fifteen years!
• Trichinella — The Trichinella parasite can cause a number of symptoms in the human body. It has been estimated that this parasite can mimic the symptoms of up to fifty different diseases! A Trichinella infection is caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked pork. Possible symptoms of infection include muscle soreness, fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, edema of the lips and face, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, enlarged lymph glands, and extreme dehydration.
• Tapeworms — Tapeworms are the largest colon parasites that are known to infect humans. There are numerous types of tapeworms, such as beef tapeworms, pork tapeworms, fish tapeworms, and dog tapeworms. These colon parasites can grow to several feet in length and live in the intestines for up to twenty five years. A tapeworm infection may cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, and appetite changes.



• Flukes — Flukes, or Trematodas, are smallish flatworms that can directly penetrate the human skin when an individual is swimming or bathing in contaminated water. Fluke parasites can travel throughout the body, making their home in the liver, lungs, or the intestines. Symptoms of a fluke infection include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and swelling.

Tips for Preventing Colon Parasites

There are a number of techniques that you can use to reduce your risk of a parasite infection. These include:

1. Wash Your Hands Frequently — Carefully washing you hands throughout the day can remove the parasites and parasitic eggs that you may have come in contact with. Be sure to wash you hands before eating or handling food, and after using the toilet, handling pets, cooking, or changing a baby’s diaper.
2. Thoroughly Cook Foods — Do not eat meats such as beef, pork, fish or chicken that have not been properly cooked.
3. Know Your Water Source — Contaminated water is a frequent source of parasitic infection. Use filtered water for drinking or cooking if you do not know the source of you water supply, or if it is in any way questionable. And do not bathe in water that may be infested with parasites.
4. Keep Your Shoes On — Colon parasites can enter the body through the soles of the feet. So be sure to wear shoes, especially if you are in an area, such as a beach or park that may contain animal feces.
5. Wash & Peel all Fruits & Vegetables — Be sure to remove any parasites from fruits and vegetables by washing them before eating them.

Treatment Options for Parasites in the Colon

There are many things you can do to help treat harmful organisms living in your intestinal tract. First, you want to clean the intestinal tract of any excessive fecal matter that may be compacted and ultimately providing an optimal habitat for these parasites. Doing a colon cleanse or following a high fiber diet will help improve your digestive system.

Next, find a good herbal supplement that is formulated to help kill of any organisms that could be living in your colon. Here is a great set of instructions for doing a parasite cleanse. It is also recommended that you take probiotics during a cleanse. Probiotics will help introduce healthy bacteria back into the colon that may have been stripped during the cleansing process.

by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

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Cheyletiella

Also known as walking dandruff, these parasitic mites infect all breeds of cats. They cause the formation of scales similar to dandruff as well as itchiness, inflammation, redness, and crusty patches. When present in large numbers, you may even be able to see the small white mites moving over the surface of the skin (hence the name walking dandruff.)

If not treated properly, cheyletiella can migrate inside the cat’s body through the nasal passages. A variety of anti-parasitic formulations can be used to treat these mites, including selenium sulphide shampoo, pyrethrin dip, and lime sulphur dip. A natural remedy is sprinkling an herbal cleansing supplement in your feline’s food.

Coccidia

Coccidia are single celled microscopic cat parasites that infect the intestines. These parasites in cats are known to cause digestive disorders such as watery diarrhea and bloody stools and can even be life-threatening to young or sickly cats. Cats can pick up this parasite by consuming infected mice or licking contaminated feces or dirt from their fur. This common parasite in cats is particularly prevalent in kittens that reside in groups such as in shelters and kennels. Currently, there is no medication that can kill coccidia. Once the organism stops replicating, the immune system can catch up and kill off the harmful organisms.

Heartworm – Is this a Cat Parasite?

Heartworms are considered a large organism that lives in the heart of cats. These long, spaghetti-like worms can reach a length of anywhere from six to ten inches in length. Heartworms are transmitted to cats and other animals through bites from infected mosquitoes. This common parasite in cats typically lives in the right side of the heart and lung, and can cause significant health problems and even death.

Possible signs of a heartworm infection in cats include coughing and difficulty breathing, similar to feline asthma. Vomiting is another potential symptom. It is also possible for a cat to suddenly pass away from a heartworm infection after presenting no other noticeable symptoms. Treatment for cat heartworms can be a somewhat risky procedure as a sudden blockage in the heart or lungs could severely harm the animal. The cat is kept quiet and still for several days while the parasites are killed slowly. Then the remaining eggs and microfilariae are destroyed to prevent re-infection.

Roundworm

A cat can become infected with this parasite by consuming contaminated eggs (through grooming,) or by ingesting a prey animal that is infected. A roundworm cat parasite can cause diarrhea and vomiting leading to weight loss. Roundworm parasites are long and white, similar to spaghetti, and an animal may even vomit one up on occasion. But despite this obvious proof, it is difficult to know if your cat or kitten has become infected with roundworms, therefore many veterinarians and pet owners are in favor of regular cat parasite deworming, especially if the cat hunts prey animals. Kittens are frequently assumed to be infected and are often automatically dewormed.

There are numerous over the counter and prescription deworming products available, including, Drontal and Drontal Plus (contains febantel,) Strongid, Nemex, and HeartguardPlus (pyrantel pamoate is the active ingredient,) Piperazine, Panacur (Fenbendazole) and Revolution (Selamectin.) These medications work by anesthetizing the parasites so that they release their grip on the intestines and pass into the stool. Therefore, don’t be alarmed if you see them, even if they are still alive. Also, it may be necessary to perform several subsequent deworming routines in order to remove migrating parasites that may have escaped initial removal attempts.

Tapeworms

The most common tapeworm that affects cats is called Dipylidium canium. This large parasite can reach up to eight inches in length. It is an intestinal parasite that attaches to the intestinal wall with hook-like suckers. Cats can become infected with tapeworms by licking and swallowing a contaminated flea. As the flea is digested, the parasite attaches itself to the intestinal lining.

A tapeworm infection can cause nausea and vomiting. A severe tapeworm infection can cause anemia and weight loss. Occasionally, a segment from the tapeworm will break away and pass into the cat’s stool or cling to her anal area. These parts may look like small segments of rice. Tapeworm infection can be treated by oral or injected medication, which cause the parasite to dissolve within the intestines. Flea control is also very important in preventing re-infection.

Whipworm

Adult whipworms are hair-like in appearance. They burrow into the wall of the cat’s large intestine and lay their eggs. In small numbers, whipworms may not cause any noticeable symptoms of infection. But in cases of severe infection, whipworms can cause appetite loss and diarrhea. The whipworm egg is highly resilient, making this cat parasite difficult to eradicate.

Article written by: Dr. Edward Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

What Causes Ringworms in Humans?

Toxoplasma, The Most Dangerous Cat Parasite

Live Whipworm Squirming Around Inside Intestines