Intestinal Lamblia In Humans: Symptoms, Routes Of Infection, Methods Of Treatment

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Intestinal Lamblia In Humans: Symptoms, Routes Of Infection, Methods Of Treatment
Intestinal Lamblia In Humans: Symptoms, Routes Of Infection, Methods Of Treatment

Video: Intestinal Lamblia In Humans: Symptoms, Routes Of Infection, Methods Of Treatment

Video: Intestinal Lamblia In Humans: Symptoms, Routes Of Infection, Methods Of Treatment
Video: Giardiasis - Giardia Lamblia 2024, March
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Page content

  • What is intestinal lamblia
  • Life cycle of intestinal giardia
  • Ways of infection with intestinal lamblia
  • Symptoms of intestinal giardiasis and its diagnosis
  • How are intestinal lamblia treated?
  • Prevention of giardiasis
  • You can defeat parasites!

Intestinal parasites in humans have many varieties, which have been fairly well studied by now.

Intestinal lamblia was first described by the physician V. Lambl in 1859 and was named after his last name.

The geographical distribution of intestinal lamblia has virtually no boundaries, although it is most often diagnosed in developing countries.

The reason for this is the conditions and way of life, due to poor sanitary conditions. However, in developed countries, there is a fairly high percentage of Giardia infections, especially in children's groups, where it can reach 50-80%.

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What is intestinal lamblia

This parasite belongs to the flagellated protozoa, the dimensions of which are so small (from 14 to 18 microns) that they can only be viewed under a microscope.

In the photo, the parasite looks quite harmless, but the most accurate research methods have established how much trouble it can do.

Their localization, as a rule, in the intestine, hence the name of the parasite, however, there is a variety that prefers to parasitize in the liver.

Life cycle of intestinal giardia

The structure of trophoisite is primitive, which is typical for protozoa: in appearance they resemble a pear cut in half, 9x12 microns in size.

In a transparent cell of trophoisitis, there are 2 nuclei and 4 pairs of flagella, as well as a special disc to stick to the mucous membrane of the intestinal tract, mainly of the small intestine.

Trophoisites are capable of dwelling only in the intestines; getting into the external environment, they do not survive. But in the intestines they have "both a table and a house", and on the "table" there is food digested by the owner (that is, a person).

So they live for about 40 days, while actively multiplying by fission. The numbers are simply terrifying: every 15-20 minutes, the number of intestinal lamblia doubles, and by 1 sq. cm of intestinal mucosa, they account for up to a million!

The vegetative stage of intestinal lamblia is the stage of active life, including reproduction.

With the advancement of the intestinal contents, lamblia enters the large intestine, where it is modified and enters the cyst stage.

In the rectum, the cyst does not linger for a long time, but together with the feces it is excreted from the intestine into the external environment, from where, after some time, it again enters the human body.

The structure of the cyst allows it to exist even in the most unfavorable environmental conditions: its viability lasts for about 5 days in water, and up to 3 months in the ground.

The cyst does not die even under the influence of cold, ultraviolet rays and disinfectant solutions, even being in the stomach of cockroaches and flies does not affect it. They are the most active carriers of these parasites.

Cysts can die only in two cases: either completely dry in a day, or under the influence of very high temperatures (although they can withstand + 70 ° C for up to 10 minutes).

Once in the human body, the cyst membrane protects it from the effects of gastric juice for some time, but when it gets into ideal conditions for itself - in the duodenum, the vegetative phase and active reproduction of lamblia begins.

This is how the development cycle of lamblia looks like.

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Ways of infection with intestinal lamblia

In the vast majority of cases, lamblia cysts enter the human body in the following ways:

  • through unwashed hands;
  • through water contaminated with lamblia, including when swimming in open reservoirs;
  • through food products that are not heat-treated (fruits, berries, fresh vegetables);
  • through prepared meals and baked goods left open on the table;
  • through common household items (towels, doorknobs, in public transport, etc.);
  • through contact with animals.

It is not for nothing that the fight against flies and cockroaches is considered one of the most important ways to prevent infection with lamblia - these, at first glance, harmless insects are just their main carriers in everyday life.

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Symptoms of intestinal giardiasis and its diagnosis

Complaints are mainly about bowel function:

  • pain in the upper abdomen and in the navel;
  • nausea and vomiting, accompanied by flatulence and rumbling in the abdomen;
  • diarrhea followed by constipation;
  • lack of appetite;
  • drastic weight loss up to exhaustion;
  • general deterioration of health (weakness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, dizziness);
  • an unexpected increase in temperature to 38 ° C or more, accompanied by chills and fever;
  • rash on the skin of pink-red color.

The last two symptoms are characteristic of the acute phase of giardiasis lasting 2-3 weeks. Despite the fact that there are lamblia in the intestines, the disease in adults can go away on its own, especially with good immunity, but it can also become chronic.

The chronic form of giardiasis is characterized by the following symptoms, in addition to those indicated above:

  • hypovitaminosis, which worsens the condition of the skin (peeling appears), nails and hair; cracks and bumps appear on the lips;
  • apathy and depression;
  • headaches and migraines;
  • painful sensations in the liver (in children it increases);
  • the appearance of a bitter taste in the mouth, and a yellow coating on the tongue;
  • in children, a decrease in concentration and a deterioration in academic performance;
  • the appearance of a dry cough.

Even if there is no suspicion of intestinal lamblia, it is necessary to consult a doctor and pass the appropriate tests.

Take a test for the presence of lamblia

Symptoms Answer Pain in the upper abdomen Yes Not Nausea Yes Not Diarrhea Yes Not Constipation Yes Not Lack of appetite Yes Not Weakness, fatigue, sleep disturbances Yes Not Headaches Yes Not Dizziness Yes Not Temperature rise to 38 ° C and more Yes Not A pink-red skin rash Yes Not

The main methods for detecting intestinal lamblia:

  • luminescent microscopic examination of feces and duodenal contents;
  • PCR method;
  • serological method for detecting specific immunoglobulins in blood serum both for detecting giardiasis disease and for determining its stage;
  • immunological tests to determine antigens or antibodies to the causative agent of the disease - lamblia.

Sometimes additional studies (biochemical, scatological, general clinical) are also used to detect lamblia.

You should immediately warn that, since lamblia cysts are excreted from the intestines periodically, you may have to donate feces at intervals of 2-3 days. However, as a rule, Giardia is found in the first analysis.

How are intestinal lamblia treated?

Treatment of lamblia is a complex of measures, including:

  • elimination of symptoms;
  • drug therapy to destroy lamblia;
  • adherence to a diet;
  • strengthening of immunity.

The most common medications for treating lamblia are trichopolum, ornidazole, tinidazole, and macmiror.

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The dosage is determined only by the doctor, based on the patient's condition and age, as well as on the presence of contraindications.

Each drug has them, which can lead to rather unpleasant consequences when trying to self-medicate. It is especially dangerous for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Even the new complex agent makmiror, which contains antibacterial and antifungal components, has contraindications. This combination is not accidental, because lamblia favors the development of fungal infections.

Even knowing how to treat giardia, it is impossible to succeed if the treatment is not accompanied not only by taking a remedy for giardia, but also by changing the diet.

Some products are only good for lamblia - these include milk, carbohydrates and fatty foods (sausages, etc.), as well as alcohol, which form an excellent breeding ground for these parasites.

Eliminate them from the diet, and lamblia will no longer feel so comfortable in the small intestine.

To create an acidic environment in the intestine, which giardia absolutely cannot stand, will help fermented milk products, as well as sour berries and juices from them.

Protein-rich foods, in particular low-fat meats and fish, eggs (in a limited amount - 1 piece per day) will also prevent the reproduction of giardia.

In general, when treating giardiasis, it is recommended to include cereals, soups, dairy products, bran bread, herbs, vegetables and fruits containing a lot of dietary fiber, and / or oat bran in your diet in order to improve intestinal motility.

You can afford a little natural honey and marshmallow, but in general, sweets containing other carbohydrates should be excluded.

An important factor in the treatment of lamblia is fractional nutrition (5-6 times a day), due to which bile, destructive for them, will be more actively produced.

Prevention of giardiasis

Follow the rules of personal hygiene and teach children to do this from a very young age:

  • more often, and not only after the toilet and before eating, wash your hands with soap and water for yourself and your children;
  • thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits that will not undergo heat treatment, and do not leave them open to flies and cockroaches;
  • at least once a month, carry out antiparasitic treatment of pets and wash your hands after contact with them;
  • do not drink water from the tap and from unverified sources;
  • swim only in specially designated, checked places, while being careful not to let water get into your mouth.

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