Parasites from Traveling: Managing Bacterial and Parasitic Infections

Parasites from Traveling

Australians’ love of travel to adventure-focused places often means managing Bacterial & Parasitic infections both during and after their trips. The bags are packed, flights booked, and the untold excitement of a few weeks in an exotic destination is calling. But what if you bring home more than a few trinkets and souvenirs from your holiday?

What if you bring home parasites from traveling?

Approximately 30 to 70% of travellers who holiday in developing nations will experience travellers’ diarrhoea, with up to 90% of these cases being caused by a bacterial infection (1). For some, however, digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fatigue (1) may indicate they have unknowingly contracted a parasitic infection.

Types of Parasitic Infections

Parasitic infections are more common in tropical and subtropical regions or areas with poor sanitation. Parasites usually enter the body through the mouth, the skin or from an insect bite (2). The most common parasitic infections are from Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytic, Cryptosporidium parvum and Blastocystis hominis (3 . 4). However, Blastocystis is still controversial as it may be present and cause no symptoms in some. In contrast, others experience diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain and flatulence (3).

Check out the CDC’s article on Parasites from Traveling

Symptoms of Parasites from Traveling

Bacterial and Parasitic infections can linger and cause persistent abdominal symptoms (PAS), including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, flatulence, stomach rumble, loss of appetite, weight loss and extreme fatigue (1). The Journal of Travel Medicine published an article on PAS in returned travellers and found the symptoms can last, on average, up to 16 months without the correct diagnosis and treatment (1).

Chronic parasitic infections are known to cause similar symptoms to irritable bowel syndrome (5); therefore, testing is essential so that an appropriate treatment approach can be applied. Testing for parasites now includes polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. This test analyses the stool to find parasite DNA fragments from parasite eggs and tissue and is considered more sensitive than microscopic identification (6).

Treatment

It’s important to visit your medical practitioner if experiencing any of these symptoms. They will determine if there is an underlying condition or reason for your symptoms other than a parasite. Medical treatment usually includes antiprotozoal medicines.

The Natural Approach – How your Naturopath can Support You

A healthy gut

Good gut health is your best line of defence against Bacterial and parasitic infection. Research on the human gut microbiome has found the bacterial population of the gut has a protective role against parasites and can modulate the progression of parasitic infection (4). To promote a balanced gut microbiome, consume a diet rich in plant-based foods, polyphenols, complex carbohydrates and fibre (7).

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicines, such as wormwood (Artemisia annua) (8) and pomegranate (Prunicum granatum) (9), are traditionally used as anti-parasitic treatments, and current research is now supporting this activity.

Sleep 

A good night’s sleep has been shown to improve immune health and resistance against parasitic infections (10).

Probiotics

Probiotics reduce the time of gastrointestinal symptoms in Giardia duodenalis and protect against damage to the gut wall caused by the parasite (11).

Prevention

Prevention is always better than cure. The advice given to travellers is to take the following precautions: (3)

• Consume only bottled water with sealed lids. If this is not possible, boil the water before using it.
• Clean hands frequently.
• Avoid swimming in lakes or rivers in areas with low sanitation. Just remember where the sewerage may be going.
• Avoid walking in bare feet in mud or rainforest areas.
• avoid high-risk foods washed in untreated water or unpeeled fruits and vegetables

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