Gastrointestinal parasitic infections are more prevalent than commonly assumed. Parasites are often assumed to only come from overseas travel; however, infections can come about from exposure to animals, the environment and contaminated food or water. They can also be transmitted from person to person in close living conditions, and care should be taken if a member of a household has an infection. A robust gastrointestinal microbiome is protective against parasites as it creates an environment where pathogenic colonisation and replication are difficult. Imbalances in the gut microbiome increase susceptibility to parasitic infection by weakening host immune surveillance, increasing gastrointestinal membrane permeability, changing gastrointestinal pH levels and decreasing colonisation resistance.

Signs and symptoms

Unresolved gut issues ranging from diarrhoea, constipation, pain and bloating may be signs of a parasitic infection. Parasitic infections can also affect a range of other body systems, causing symptoms such as brain fog, mood changes, poor immune function, skin conditions, grinding teeth, insomnia, nutrient deficiencies, weight loss and appetite changes. Because of the non-specific nature of these symptoms, parasitic infections commonly go undiagnosed for long periods.

Diagnosis and testing

If an infection is suspected, conducting a faecal stool analysis to rule out infection or identify the parasite is key. Identifying the type of parasite is important to target treatment and reduce potential negative side effects of incorrect treatment.

Gastrointestinal parasites can be detected via a number of stool analysis tests. The simplest test is a microscopic evaluation for parasites and their ovum; however it has significant limitations due to its low sensitivity and subjective interpretation. More advanced testing uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect DNA and RNA from parasites, however it may detect DNA and RNA from dead parasites which can lead to false-positive results. Comprehensive stool analysis tests can test for the types of pathogens their numbers and their sensitivity to certain antimicrobials. They may also provide information on additional biomarkers for inflammation, pancreatic function, absorption and levels of beneficial bacteria which can provide insight into the overall health of the gastrointestinal system, making them a valuable tool for parasitic treatment.

Treatment

The most common allopathic treatment for parasites is antibiotics. Whilst they may be required in many cases, particularly in the acute phase, antibiotic use is associated with a number of issues. The over-prescription and incorrect use of antibiotics had led to antibiotic resistance, leading to unresponsive treatments and increased pathogenicity. As antibiotics are nonspecific in their antimicrobial activity, beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract may be eradicated as collateral damage, which can have deleterious effects as beneficial bacteria help prevent the proliferation of parasites. A number of natural therapies may be useful in minimising and eradicating parasitic infections. Herbal antimicrobials are more selective in their toxicity than antibiotics, thus are less likely to damage the existing microbiome. Furthermore, they are not associated with pathogenic resistance and may help eradicate resistant pathogens.

Natural healthcare practitioners are trained in testing and treating mild gastrointestinal infections and may support you with both prevention and treatment.

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