Parasitic infections in children and adults

Despite improved hygiene and food safety, parasitic infections remain a significant problem among both children and adults. The most common habitat for parasites in Poland is the gastrointestinal tract. The summer season favors potential infections, especially among young children who frequently spend time in sandboxes and playgrounds, often putting their hands in their mouths immediately after playing, for example.

Parasitic infections can cause many non-specific symptoms, such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.

Remember, there's no single, specific symptom that clearly indicates a parasitic infection. In any case, you should see a doctor for an examination and any necessary diagnostics.

Pinworms – the most common parasite in children

Pinworms – adult individuals live in the human large intestine. Infection occurs through ingestion of the parasite's eggs. Infection spreads primarily through contaminated hands – direct contact with an infected person or their personal belongings, toilets, or contaminated food.

Depending on the intensity of the infection, pinworms may manifest as loss of appetite and abdominal pain, nausea, irritability, sleep disturbances, itching around the anus, or inflammation of the vulva and vagina.

To detect pinworms, we perform a stool test. The recommended method is a swab, which involves collecting a sample from the anus onto a cellophane-lined slide. Occasionally, we may observe adult females around the anus or on the surface of the stool.

Giardiasis – symptoms

Giardiasis (giardiasis) is a parasitic disease of the duodenum and small intestine. It is caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia (syn. Giardia duodenalis). It presents with chronic diarrhea. Symptoms sometimes include abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence, headaches, fatigue, and low-grade fever. Giardiasis is the most common protozoal infection in the world. However, it's important to remember that most cases of infection are asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously.

If giardiasis is suspected, the doctor will refer the patient for tests that can identify the parasite, including: stool examination for the presence of cysts - at least 3 stool samples taken every other day, detection of the parasite antigen in the stool using the ELISA method.

Blood antibody tests against Giardia lamblia (serological tests) have no diagnostic significance and should not be the basis for initiating treatment.

Human roundworm – how to recognize the infection

The human roundworm is a parasite that inhabits the human small intestine, but during its development cycle it also passes through the lungs, which can then cause the first symptoms of infection. Symptoms of ascariasis depend on the stage of infection. Initially, they may include a low-grade fever, chest discomfort, and a dry cough lasting more than 14 days. Later, abdominal pain and bloating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, irritability, and sleep disturbances may develop.

Rare but potential complications of infection include: intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, and cholangitis.

Testing for the presence of parasite eggs is performed three times from stool samples collected at intervals of several days.

Adults can also sometimes be seen in stools or vomit.

Toxocariasis

The dog and cat roundworms inhabit the digestive tracts of these animals, which then excrete their eggs into the environment. In humans, most commonly in children under 5 years of age, Toxocara species cause a disease called "visceral larva migrans syndrome"—fever, abdominal pain, cough, and enlarged liver and spleen. Ocular infection is also possible, manifesting with the following symptoms: decreased vision, sudden onset of strabismus, and retinal damage. The parasite's location in the central nervous system can cause headaches and seizures.

If you suspect a Toxocara roundworm infection, contact your doctor who will refer you for appropriate diagnostic tests.

How to avoid parasitic infection

The basis for avoiding parasitic infection is proper hygiene and prevention. Remember to thoroughly wash your hands before eating, after using the toilet, after playing with your dog or cat, or after playing in the sandbox. You should also avoid sharing towels, change underwear and bedding frequently, and keep the bathroom, toilet, kitchen, and other areas used for food preparation clean. Don't forget to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables, especially those eaten raw.

Exposure to parasitic infection does not justify the regular preventative use of antiparasitic medications. Deworm our pets regularly. Remember that deworming in children should only be performed after a diagnosis of the parasite in the child's body has been made. Once infection is confirmed in one household member, treatment should also be administered to other family members.

Medical consultation
with doctor Joanna Pawlos-Jania,
specialist in internal medicine