Recognizing and diagnosing parasitic infections

In the United States, according to the CDC, 1 in 10 people is or has been infected with some type of parasite.

Thanks to modern medicine, most parasitic infections can be treated and even prevented, but we are all exposed to these organisms. Infections can be asymptomatic initially until they become clinical conditions, or they may have symptoms that affect the quality of life, primarily gastrointestinal.

In this article, we will analyze the most common symptoms of parasitic infections, the reasons to see a doctor, and the diagnostic methods used to determine a treatment.

What are parasitic infections?

A parasitic infection is a disease caused by parasites that invade the body. They can enter the body through contaminated food, untreated water, insects (such as mosquitoes), or through direct contact with infected animals or people.

Parasites are divided into three categories according to their shape, size, and whether they are unicellular or multicellular:

1. Protozoa. Unicellular microorganisms that, upon infecting the body, begin to multiply. They are the cause of diseases such as malaria or amoebiasis.

2. Helminths. Multicellular worms that are transmitted through contaminated water and food. They generally enter the body as eggs or small larvae and settle in different organs. The most common are the intestinal worm and the pork tapeworm.

3. Ectoparasites. They live on the skin and primarily feed on blood. With their bite, they can transmit other smaller parasites, viruses, or bacteria. Lice, fleas, ticks, and scabies mites are the most common.

Common symptoms of parasitic infections

Parasitic diseases cause a range of symptoms; many depend on your health status, the strength of your immune system, the type of parasite, and how advanced the infection is.

We divide the main symptoms into four groups, and during the infection, one or more may appear.

1. Digestive symptoms

These are the most common types of parasitic infections. The main ones are:

• Persistent or intermittent diarrhea.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Abdominal pain and cramps.

• Bloating and gas.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Presence of blood or mucus in the stool.

2. Systemic symptoms

If you have a weakened immune system or the infection has progressed without treatment, it causes systemic symptoms that affect the quality of life, such as:

• Extreme fatigue and weakness.

• Anemia and iron deficiency.

• Recurrent fever.

• Muscle and joint pain.

3. Skin symptoms

Several symptoms of parasitic infections appear on the skin, especially those caused by fleas, lice, or mites. The most common skin symptoms are:

• Persistent itching.

• Skin rashes.

• Lesions or ulcers on the skin.

• Presence of migratory larvae under the skin.

4. Neurological symptoms

When parasites are transported to the brain or spinal cord through veins and arteries, the parasites will develop and grow, affecting the neurological system. This causes symptoms, such as:

• Chronic headaches.

• Seizures (in severe infections such as neurocysticercosis).

• Confusion and changes in behavior.

If a person experience one or more of these symptoms for an extended period or after traveling to an area with a high prevalence of parasites, they should seek immediate attention from healthcare personnel for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

How are parasitic infections diagnosed?

Once symptoms of a parasitic infection have been identified, there are several methods to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the treatment you need. Sometimes, it is necessary to combine several clinical methods or laboratory tests.

The most common methods are:

1. Stool analysis. It is performed in infections caused by intestinal parasites. The objective is to look for eggs, cysts, or parasites in the stool. Multiple samples and tests on different days are recommended for a more accurate diagnosis.

2. Blood tests. They detect parasites that cause systemic infections, such as malaria, toxoplasmosis, or schistosomiasis. They search for common antibodies that target the parasites or the DNA of the organisms in the blood.

3. Biopsies and tissue analysis. When it is suspected that a parasite has lodged in a specific organ, a biopsy is taken to obtain a tissue sample. This method is common for detecting Chagas disease or leishmaniasis.

4. Imaging tests. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, among others, are performed to detect the presence of adult parasites, mainly in vital organs such as the brain, liver, lungs, or others. Infections such as neurocysticercosis or echinococcosis commonly employ these methods.

5. Serological and molecular tests. They are very advanced techniques used to identify the DNA of parasites in blood, tissues, or fluids. It identifies recent or chronic infections.

When to seek medical attention?

The symptoms of parasitic infections can easily be confused with other ailments, allergic reactions, or intolerance to certain foods. Doctors recommend that if these symptoms are chronic or occur regularly, it is necessary to see a doctor.

• If you exhibit the following warning signs, schedule a medical appointment:

• The patient has been experiencing persistent diarrhea for more than two weeks or continuous diarrhea for more than three days.

• The patient is experiencing unexplained weight loss and severe fatigue, despite a good diet and adequate rest.

• Recurrent fever without apparent cause.

• Neurological symptoms, such as seizures or confusion, are particularly common in individuals without a history of mental illnesses or those under the age of 40.

• The patient presents with unusual skin rashes accompanied by extreme itching symptoms.

• Recent contact with potentially contaminated water or food sources, especially during a trip to countries with high levels of parasitic infections.

• Travel to endemic areas of parasitic diseases.

It is important to see a specialist doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Early treatment will prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Similarly, it is important to take measures to prevent parasitic infections. Taking care of hygiene and nutrition is key. Also, take the following measures:

• Maintain excellent personal hygiene, especially with your hands, before eating and after using the bathroom.

• Consume potable or treated water.

• Cook food well, mainly beef, pork, and poultry.

• Protect yourself against insect bites.

• Periodic deworming.

Contact our Mitogenesis medical expert in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Early recognition and accurate diagnosis of parasitic infections are essential to ensure effective treatment and avoid complications. While some symptoms may be mild or nonspecific, the presence of persistent signs such as prolonged diarrhea, recurrent fever, and unexplained weight loss should be a reason to seek medical attention.

The combination of clinical analysis, laboratory tests, and imaging studies allows doctors to identify the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Adopting hygiene habits and preventive measures remains the best strategy to avoid these infections and maintain excellent health.

At Mitogenesis Regenerative Medicine, we can find a comprehensive strategy that can transform your life, alleviate inflammatory processes, and detoxify the body to improve overall well-being and quality of life.

If you wish to contact Dr. Mel Schottenstein at Mitogenesis or learn more about the treatments we offer, please call us or fill out a contact form with your information!

Sources:

Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases (https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/testing-diagnosis/index.html)

Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases: Old and New Approaches (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2804041/)  

Parasitic Infection (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24885-parasitic-infection)

Emerging Need for Parasitology Education: Training to Identify and Diagnose Parasitic Infections (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3110372/)  

Reviewed by:

Dr. Mel Schottenstein

Naturopathic Doctor

NMD, MBE, MScN, FICT, FSCT

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of your physician or other health care professional. Do not use the information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem.

‍