Dorothy FarrarNematode infection
The dwarf nematode infection usually occurs in tropical areas and in Europe only in warm environments. The standard of hygiene in these areas is usually poor. The dwarf threadworm belongs to the nematodes and is found particularly in the soil of tropical and subtropical countries. The infectious larvae primarily affect humans, but monkeys and other mammals can also be affected.
What is a nematode infection?
Dwarf nematodes, the 3 mm long parasites, live in the small intestine . They enter the body through the skin . This is referred to as the so-called skin penetration. Walking barefoot in particular increases the risk of catching a dwarf roundworm. The parasite enters the lungs via the bloodstream and migrates into the cavity. It enters the throat via the respiratory tract , where it is swallowed. This allows the dwarf roundworm to get into the small intestine, which is where it ultimately wants to go.
Here the parasite develops into a larva and a sexually mature female. The females lay eggs in the small intestine. The larvae hatch and are excreted in the stool. The infestation leads to a nematode infection, because the larvae cause inflammation in the affected part of the intestine . In particular, employees of a tunnel construction or mine as well as immunocompromised people are often affected by the disease.
causes
In many cases, a dwarf nematode infection occurs through food , for example by eating raw meat that contains larvae.
Food that is contaminated with it is also a transmission route, because this means that early larval stages or worm eggs are ingested. The fertilization of vegetables and lettuce with feces is at risk.
Poor hygiene can also lead to faecal contamination, for example if hands are not washed after a bowel movement. Worm eggs can be transmitted through anus-finger-mouth contact. In warm regions, infection often occurs through walking barefoot, for example when the beaches are dirty with animal droppings.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of dwarf nematode infection:
The symptoms of a nematode infection depend on the life cycle of the worm in question. The main symptom is nocturnal itching in the anal area. This is caused by the deposit of worm eggs in the anus. This leads to sleep disorders with the usual accompanying symptoms. A heavy worm infestation leads to diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, dizziness and possible appendicitis.
Many patients also complain of a feeling of fullness. A bloody stool is also possible. Then, as the nematode infection progresses, larvae spread throughout the body, causing additional symptoms, such as fever, generalized weakness, and facial edema. The life cycle of dwarf nematodes leads from the intestines via the blood to the lungs and back to the intestines. Therefore, pneumonia is also possible.
The affected person complains about seven days after the beginning of the infection about respiratory problems, which can extend to asthma-like conditions. However, symptoms vary between patients. Some sufferers may not have any symptoms for months or years, even though they have a nematode infection.
Diagnose
The doctor can determine the diagnosis with a microscope. However, this is only possible three weeks after infection with the dwarf roundworms. This time is called the prepatency: the period between the onset of infection and the products of reproduction, which take place in the form of larvae and eggs. As a rule, the infection is a fairly persistent and unpleasant disease.
The main danger is that the nematodes and larvae introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. Therefore, a general infection ( sepsis ) is possible. Eosinophilia is often the only sign that an infection may be present. In the blood, in particular, there is an imbalance of granulocytes. The doctor speaks of the eosinophils, which are defense cells that belong to the leukocytes (white blood cells). These occur more frequently when infections are present in the body.
treatment and therapy
The doctor treats the nematode infection with mebendazole. This preparation is an active ingredient that ultimately helps against all types of worms. Hence the name “broad spectrum anthelmintic”. First and foremost, this kills the worms. A treatment usually lasts three days. After that, there are no more parasites in the body and the infection has subsided. The rest of the therapy is aimed at combating symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea or vomiting.
prevention
So far there are no ways to prevent a nematode infection with medication or vaccination . The dwarf nematode lives mainly in the soil of the warm, humid tropics. For this reason, it is advisable to ensure that you wear appropriate footwear in the risk areas. You shouldn’t walk barefoot on the beach either. In particular, beaches at estuaries are fraught with risk. Wearing long pants is also recommended. In addition, general hygiene standards should be observed. This is especially true with regard to wastewater disposal.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.