Page 50 - parasitology for medical and clinical laboratoryprofessionals

30 CHAPTER 2

in certain tissues of the body. If treatment is stopped
because symptoms have disappeared, a full-blown in-
fection may recur when only a few organisms escaped
eradication and begin to multiply. Treatment is tailored
for both strengthening the body of the patient and kill-
ing the parasite. The residual damage from the infection
may require treatment for a period of time following the Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
complete destruction of the parasites.

Dietary Considerations for
Victims of Parasitosis

Certain dietary regimens are followed to prevent infection FIGURE 2-12 Wash fresh, uncooked produce. Rinse
by parasites as preventive practices in some parts of the fresh fruits and vegetables in running tap water to
world. Dietary guidelines include avoiding irritants such as remove visible dirt and grime
alcohol and caffeine that would give a toehold in the diges-
tive system for some organisms. Lowering the level of sugar
or a dinner salad (Figure 2-12) may expose the diner to
and avoiding dairy products and fruit has been found to be
a variety of parasites. Many of the local inhabitants may
potentially beneficial. Fruit is usually considered a “good”
have learned to live with the organism and will show no
food, but in the situation where one is infected by a para-
symptoms, but may be carriers. So the best manner of
site, it is best to avoid these food groups in the early stages
prevention is to avoid food and water that is suspected of
of treatment. Optimally the diet would consist mostly of
being contaminated. Even the clearest and coolest moun-
complex carbohydrates obtained by eating rice and pota-
tain stream should be considered a risk, as it may be con-
toes along with cooked vegetables and lean meats.
taminated with Giardia lamblia, particularly if cattle and
But the most important factor in avoiding infection
other animals are upstream.
or reinfection would lie in the thorough washing of salad
Most parasites are invisible to the naked eye and
ingredients and by personal hygiene. There are specific
you will not be able to smell them or taste them in the
cleaners available for greens that do not damage the food
water or in food. And if a family member has a parasitic
or leave an undesirable taste on the plants. This means
infection, careful hand washing after going to the bath-
that the victim of an intestinal parasite infection should
room is the best way to prevent passing the parasite on
probably avoid ordering salads at restaurants until com-
to others in the family (Figure 2-13). An infected person
pletely recovered from an illness. All water consumed
should be filtered; do not drink water straight from the
tap! Supportive measures include supplemental bowel
flora (acidophilus and bifidus), vitamin A, and folic acid.
Normalization of neurological and visceral reflexes by
your chiropractor would be beneficial as well.
AVOIDING RISK OF Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
PARASITIC INFECTION

What can be done to prevent a parasitic infection?
Avoiding the ingestion of risky foods and water is the
best manner to avoid a parasitic infection, especially
when in an area where the visitor is unfamiliar with the
local foods and drinks, especially during travel to a for- FIGURE 2-13 A young child is appropriately washing
eign country. In developing nations even ice in a drink his hands