Giardiasis, popularly known as beaver fever, is a parasitic disease caused by Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia and G. intestinalis). About 10% of those infected have no symptoms. When symptoms occur they may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Vomiting, blood in the stool, and fever are less common. Symptoms usually begin 1 to 3 weeks after exposure and without treatment may last up to six weeks.Giardia usually spreads when Giardia duodenalis cysts within feces contaminate ...

giardiasis

What-are-the-most-common-internal-parasites-in-humans

What are the most common internal parasites in humans

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There are various parasitic worms that can settle in the human body. Among them, the most popular are flatworms, roundworms and spinech worms. There are three types of parasites that cause disease in humans. These are:

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<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Protozoa: Protozoan parasites are unicellular organisms. Protozoa can only multiply or divide in the host. Protozoa include Plasmodium malariae, which causes malaria infection, and Cryptosporidium, which is ingested.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Helminths: These are worm parasites. They are usually visible to the naked eye at a more advanced stage. Unlike protozoa, they cannot reproduce in humans. This includes the parasites Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Flatworms: Cestoda is a class of flatworm parasitic worms. Most of the species - and the best known - are those in the subclass Eucestoda; They are bandworms as adults, known as tapeworms. Tapeworm infection is caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with eggs or tapeworm larvae. Also, if you swallow eggs of certain types of tapeworms, they can migrate outside the intestines and form larval cysts in body tissues and organs. This category includes beef and pork tapeworm.</li></ol>

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Parasitic infections caused by intestinal helminths and protozoan parasites are among the most prevalent infections in humans in developing countries. In developed countries, protozoan parasites cause gastrointestinal infections more often compared to helminths. Nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flatworms) are among the most common helminths inhabiting the human intestine.&nbsp;

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There are four types of intestinal helmintic parasites, also known as geohelminths and helminths transmitted from soil: Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworms), Trichiuris trichiuria (flagellas), Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanicus (hookworms). These infections are most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the developing world, where adequate water and sanitation facilities and facilities are lacking.

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The most common intestinal protozoan parasites are:&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Giardia intestinalis,</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Entamoeba histolytica</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cyclospora cayetanenensis</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cryptosporidium spp.&nbsp;</li></ul>The diseases caused by these intestinal protozoan parasites are known as lambliosis, amoebiasis, cyclosporiasis, and cryptosporidiosis, respectively. Infection usually occurs by a fecal-oral mechanism when consuming contaminated food or water, and diarrhea is characteristic.

Symptoms-of-internal-parasites-in-humans

Symptoms of internal parasites in humans 

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Parasites can live in the body, mostly in the intestines, for years without causing any symptoms. When they decide to cause them, the symptoms can be:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Diarrhea</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nausea or vomiting</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gas, or bloating</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rash or itching around the rectum or vulva</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stomach pain or tenderness</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Attenuation</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Skin bumps or rashes</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sleep problems</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anemia</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Allergies</li></ul>

The-most-common-intestinal-parasites-that-can-cause-infection

The most common intestinal parasites that can cause infection 

Tapeworm-(Cestoda)

Tapeworm (Cestoda) 

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You can become infected with tapeworm, which is a type of flatworm, by drinking water contaminated with eggs or tapeworm larvae. Raw or undercooked meat is another way tapeworms can find their way to people. The tapeworms stick their heads in the intestinal wall and stay there. From there, some types of tapeworms can produce eggs that mature into larvae, and the latter migrate to other parts of the body.

Tapeworm-(Cestoda)_2_1

Tapeworm looks like a long white narrow stripe. They can grow up to an impressive 24 meters in length and live in a person up to 30 years. 2

Methyls-(Trematoda)

Methyls (Trematoda)

Methyls-(Trematoda)_2_0

Flukes are another type of flatworm. Animals are more likely than humans to develop infection by flukes. Raw cress and other freshwater plants are the main sources of flukes in humans. You can also get infected with them by drinking contaminated water.&nbsp;

Methyls-(Trematoda)_2_1

They create their home in the intestines, blood or tissues of the host. There are many varieties of flukes, and no one reaches more than a few centimeters in length.

Ancylostomas

Ancylostomas_2_0

Hookworm is a type of roundworm transmitted through feces and contaminated soil. The most common way to contact this type of roundworm is to walk barefoot on soil containing hookworm larvae. They can pass through the skin. Usually, hookworms live in the small intestine, where they attach to the intestinal wall with a "hook".&nbsp;

Pinworms-(filamentous-worms)-(Enterobius)

Pinworms (filamentous worms) (Enterobius) 

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These parasitizing worms are small, relatively harmless roundworms. When fully ripe, they live in the colon and rectum. Their eggs can survive on bedding, clothing and other materials. People become infected with pinworms through the mouth or when they touch eggs. Infections with pinworms are more common in children and in institutions such as kindergartens and schools.

Trichinella

Trichinella_2_0

Trichinella is transmitted mostly among animals. The most common way that people become infected with trichinosis - the disease caused by this roundworm, is by eating insufficiently cooked meat, which contains larvae. The larvae ripen in the intestines. While reproducing, these larvae can get into muscles and other tissues.

Methods-of-diagnosis-and-treatment

Methods of diagnosis and treatment

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The tests a doctor may order to diagnose a parasitic infection depend on factors such as the person's symptoms, other medical conditions, and a history of travel to other countries.

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Below are some of the tests commonly used to diagnose a parasitic infection:

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<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Feces diagnosis: If a person has diarrhea, gas, or other stomach symptoms, three or more stool samples may be collected on different days and tested for a parasite or parasitic egg.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Endoscopy: If the stool samples do not contain a parasite, a thin tube called an endoscope can be inserted orally into the intestine to check for the presence of parasites.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Colonoscopy: As an alternative to endoscopy, a tube through the rectum into the intestine can be inserted to detect parasites.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blood tests: A health professional may perform a blood test to detect a specific parasitic infection. Serology is a blood test that shows antibodies or parasitic antigens. Another method is the blood smear, in which a drop of blood is examined for parasites under a microscope.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Imaging tests: An X-ray can help detect parasite-related lesions in a person's organs. For more detailed information about organs, a doctor may recommend MRI or computed axial tomography (CAT).</li></ol>

Complementary-and-alternative-therapies-for-internal-parasites

Complementary and alternative therapies for internal parasites 

Complementary-and-alternative-therapies-for-internal-parasites_4_0

Conventional medical treatments can help you deal with parasites faster and with fewer side effects than most alternative treatments. Alternative remedies can be useful along with conventional medications. However, your doctor should find out what kind of organism is causing your problems before starting treatment. The following guidelines are common and can help prevent the growth of internal parasites:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Avoid simple carbohydrates, such as those contained in refined foods, fruits, juices, dairy products and all sugars.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eat more raw garlic, pumpkin seeds, pomegranate, beets and carrots, all of which are traditionally used to kill parasites. In one study, researchers found that a mixture of honey and papaya seeds cleared feces of parasites in 23 out of 30 subjects. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/action/cookieAbsent" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">[Ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body well.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eat more fiber, which can help get rid of worms.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">It is recommended to take probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces boulardii and bifidobacteria. They help maintain a balanced gut microbiome.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Digestive enzymes will help restore the intestinal tract to its normal state, making it inhospitable to parasites. Papain is an enzyme from the papaya plant that can help kill worms when taken 30 minutes before or after a meal.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vitamin C supports the immune system, but it should not be taken in large quantities, otherwise it can cause diarrhea.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zinc also supports the immune system. Zinc may interact with certain medications, especially some antibiotics, and may not be suitable for people with HIV/AIDS.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Internal parasites can spread diseases that seriously worsen health. Many of these parasitic infections are treatable and preventable, can occur with or without symptoms. If a person experiences a skin rash, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or other symptoms of a parasitic infection, medical attention should be sought and appropriate therapy instituted. Taking measures such as using insect repellent, eating properly cooked fish and meat (thermally processed), and drinking water only from sealed bottles can help prevent parasite infection.

The most common internal parasites in humans - symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

The most common internal parasites in humans - symptoms, diagnosis

Бетина Цветкова

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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The broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is best known for its ability to accelerate wound healing. It's also called white man's foot or greater plantain. The plant is widespread in Europe, Asia and America and is often found in gardens and other urban grasslands.

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The plantain is not distinguished by bright colors or large size, but despite its modest appearance, it hides a great healing potential, which extends beyond the treatment of wounds.

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Some of the properties attributed to it by folk medicine have been confirmed by recent research, including:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">wound healing,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">antipyretic action (to lower fever),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">cough suppression (antitussive),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">against infections,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">anti-haemorrhagic and haemostatic action,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">anti-inflammatory,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">diuretic,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">laxative,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">astringent.</li>
</ul>

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In this article you will learn more about the traditional use of plantain in Iranian traditional medicine, as well as the modern evidence of its healing properties. The information is taken from the article Plantago major in Traditional Persian Medicine and modern phytotherapy: a narrative review, 2018, Electronic physician [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Plantago_major_in_Traditional_Persian_Medicine_and_modern_phytotherapy_a_narrative_review_29629064" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>].

Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine

Plantain Use According to Iranian Folk Medicine

Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine_0_0

The use of plantain for the treatment of various diseases dates back thousands of years. The earliest known account of the plantain is in "De materia medica", which was written by the Greek pharmaco-botanist Dioscurid in the 1st century (40-90 A.D.). The book is an encyclopedia of herbal treatment and pharmacopoeia from around the world.

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Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine_0_2

Plantain finds the following applications in Iranian folk medicine:

Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine_0_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In neurological diseases such <a href="/p/iepiliepsiiata_koi_liechiebni_rastieniia_sa_izpolzvani_v_drievna_piersiia_d697132f_9082_456b_ac3a_9019ffa4be12" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">epilepsy</a> or ear pain;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In diseases of the eyes;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Against inflammation in the oral cavity and toothache (gargling and rinsing);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In lung diseases such as asthma and tuberculosis;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">With gastrointestinal problems - bleeding, <a href="/p/profilaktika_klasichiesko_i_bilkovo_liechieniie_na_khiemoroidi_9e58f268_e51f_460a_8c66_6158a6575aac" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">hemorrhoids</a>, stomach ache, <a href="/p/7_bilki_koito_obliekchavat_loshoto_khranosmilanie_i_dispiepsiiata_60bc6c30_0949_4ed7_933c_460f9104d318" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">dyspepsia</a>, constipation;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In <a href="/p/chierniiat_drob_nie_boli_koi_bilki_podobriavat_zdravieto_mu_pri_khiepatit_stieatoza_i_tsiroza_ed55df70_c2be_430d_93f0_29a2aece49ff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">liver</a> and bile disease;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In urogenital infections and pain in <a href="/p/kamni_v_bbrietsitie_koi_bilki_priechat_na_obrazuvanieto_im_i_kak_da_sie_khranim" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">the kidneys</a> and bladder;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">For the treatment of various wounds and burns.</li>
</ul>

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Many of these and other healing properties are also confirmed by modern medicine. You will learn about some of them in the following lines.

Broadleaf-Plantain-and-The-Immune-System

Broadleaf Plantain and The Immune System

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In low concentrations, plantain possesses immunomodulatory activity, increases the number of lymphocytes and the secretion of interferon-γ, but at high concentrations this property can be suppressed.

Broadleaf-Plantain-and-The-Immune-System_1_1

Plantain tea can aid the immune system in leukemia and viral infections. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/In_vitro_cytotoxic_antiviral_and_immunomodulatory_effects_of_Plantago_major_and_Plantago_asiatica_12856861" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

Plantain-in-Gastrointestinal-Problems

Plantain in Gastrointestinal Problems

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The seeds of plantain secrete mucus substances that have a laxative and protective effect for the mucous membrane of the stomach. Seeds are recommended for inflammatory bowel diseases, e.g. ulcerative colitis.

Plantain-in-Gastrointestinal-Problems_2_1

On the other hand, leaf extract reduces the mobility of the duodenum and has astringent effect.

Plantain-in-Gastrointestinal-Problems_2_2

Plantain-in-Urticaria

Plantain in Urticaria

Plantain-in-Urticaria_3_0

Broadleaf plantain contains substances that suppress the production of prostaglandins, the movement of white blood cells and the release of histamine, and this is relevant for the suppression of urticaria.

Antibacterial-and-Antiparasite-Effects-of-Plantain

Antibacterial and Antiparasite Effects of Plantain

Antibacterial-and-Antiparasite-Effects-of-Plantain_4_0

Some types of plantain extracts have shown an effect against the Giardia parasite.

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Plantain extract in ethyl alcohol shows antibacterial activity against the bacteria E. coli and Bacillus cereus, and acetone extract is also effective against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Plantain extract also has good effectiveness against <a href="../../eng/p/home_remedies_for_vaginal_candidiasis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Candida albicans yeast</a>.

Plantain-Helps-Wound-Healing

Plantain Helps Wound Healing

Plantain-Helps-Wound-Healing_5_0

Broadleaf plantain is traditionally used to heal wounds. With tissue damage, whether from bacteria, physical trauma, chemical, heat or any other phenomenon, the body reacts with an inflammatory response, which is by its very nature a protective reaction. Inflammation is manifested by redness, fever, edema and pain in the affected tissue.

Plantain-Helps-Wound-Healing_5_1

Plantain contains polyphenols and in particular plantamajoside, which are considered the main significant compounds for wound healing. For this purpose, aqueous extract of plantain can be used.

Plantain-Helps-Wound-Healing_5_2

Anti-cancer-Properties-of-Plantain

Anti-cancer Properties of Plantain

Anti-cancer-Properties-of-Plantain_6_0

Various studies have shown that both spirit and water extracts of plantain possess the property to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cell lines: melanoma (skin cancer), adenocarcinoma of the breast and kidney. [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311913648_Evaluation_of_In_Vitro_Anticancer_Effect_of_Plantago_major_L_and_Plantago_lanceolata_L_Leaf_Extracts_from_Sivas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

Anti-cancer-Properties-of-Plantain_6_1

According to one of the studies, the greatest potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells have the seeds of broadleaf plantain, in particular on the following cancer cell lines: MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HeLaS3, A549 and KB. They also suppress inflammatory cytokines tumornecortising factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1β and 6 (IL-1β, IL-6) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).

Anti-cancer-Properties-of-Plantain_6_2

Extracts from the roots of the plant exhibit the same properties. However, the scientists who conducted this study offer the seeds of broadleaf plantain as a source of new drugs against oncological and inflammatory diseases. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Effects_of_Plantago_major_Extracts_and_Its_Chemical_Compounds_on_Proliferation_of_Cancer_Cells_and_Cytokines_Production_of_Lipopolysaccharide_activated_THP_1_Macrophages_28839362" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

Q&amp;A

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What side effects can the intake of broadleaf plantain have?

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In general, plantain is considered a safe herb, but an overdose can lead to anaphylaxis (suffocation due to an allergic reaction). In milder cases of side effects, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, bloating, hypersensitivity or dermatitis may be observed.

Q&amp;A_7_2

How is broadleaf plantain used?

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The usual dose is 3–5 grams of the powdered herb 1–3 times a day, but the most common dose in the form of tea (infusion) is 150 ml 3–4 times a day.

giardiasis

The Broadleaf Plantain: A Modest Plant with Great Healing Potential