Colonic parasites, including worms and protozoa, can cause health problems and are commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water or unprotected sex. Treatment involves analyzing a stool sample and administering medication. Animals can also carry colonic parasites, which can be transmitted to humans.
Colonic parasites are parasitic organisms that favor the environment of the colon, also known as the large intestine. Both worms and protozoa can be found living in the colon and colon parasites are linked to a variety of health problems making it advisable to get treatment for them if they are identified. The most common site for such parasites is in the colon wall, where the colon parasites settle along with beneficial microorganisms in the intestines that aid in the digestion process.
People are most classically exposed to colonic parasites through the consumption of contaminated food and water. They can also be transmitted through unprotected sexual activity. Once introduced into the colon, the parasites can begin to multiply, taking advantage of a food-rich environment with conditions conducive to their survival. In the early stages of parasitic infection, people may not notice symptoms, but over time they may lose weight, develop loose stools, experience nutritional deficiencies, and generally feel unwell.
Colonic parasites can also cause nausea and vomiting, and while someone is infected, they are continuously passing on parasites that can be spread to others. Failure to wash your hands properly after using the restroom or using an improperly contained wastewater treatment system can cause colonic parasites to spread to friends, family, and people in the community. Foodservice people are a particularly ideal carrier, as they handle the food eaten by many people over the course of a workday.
Treatment for colonic parasites involves collecting a stool sample that can be analyzed to determine what parasites are present, and administering medications to kill the parasites. It is possible for people to become co-infected with multiple parasites, which can complicate treatment and require the use of multiple medications to address the problem. Patients may also be asked to contribute a follow-up stool sample so that a doctor can confirm that the parasites have indeed been eradicated.
Colonic parasites can also be seen in animals, and some are zoonotic, crossing the species barrier to take advantage of a new host. Animals with ongoing parasitic infections should be treated as quickly as possible, and people should be careful to wash their hands after handling infected animals to avoid accidentally ingesting parasites and becoming infected. For some animals such as horses, routine parasite treatments are recommended as a precautionary measure.
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