In this post we will focus on how parasites cause food infections, identify the common parasites and how they are transmitted.
Parasites
Parasites are another group of micro- organisms that cause food infections.They are organisms that are found in host organisms,from whom they feed off.
How parasites are transmitted
Parasites can be transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water. They can also be transmitted by animals including pets.Most young pets can be found with roundworms.
There are various parasites and they come in different sizes and shapes. Some are observable while others require the use of a microscope to be viewed.
The common parasites that can infect food can either be classified as:
- Protozoa e.g giardia
- Helminthes e.g. roundworms, threadworms, flat worms, etc.
Common parasites that cause food infections
- Anisakis-You become infected by these parasites when you consume under-cooked marine organisms, particularly salmon, cod, flounder , squid haddock etc.
- Schistosoma parasites- Schistosomiasis -transmitted through contact with water sources that are contaminated with Schistosoma parasites
- Toxoplasma gondii -When you consume undercooked meat contaminated by these parasites, you may not experience any symptoms -most individuals do not and if they do appear, you may experience muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes etc.
- Giardia -These parasites cause giardiasis,which occurs when one consumes raw or under-cooked fish or by ingest food or water contaminated with faecal matter.
- Cyclsopora cayetanesis-it takes about 2-10 days for symptoms to occur when you consume a food contaminated by these parasites. Symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal cramping may occur.
- Cryptosporidium parvum-Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fever abdominal cramping, gas and fever are common symptoms when infected, which occur after consuming raw fruits and vegetables not well-washed or unpasteurized milk. It can also lead to muscle damage, seizures and eye infections if severe.
- Ascaris -Once infected by these parasites after intake of fruits and vegetables germinated in contaminated soils, the symptoms can either be non-existent or present with mild symptoms .One may experience vomiting , nausea, stomach pain, irritation around the anus.
- Thread worms – e.g trichinella These parasites are easily transmitted especially through poor hygiene. For example, not washing hands well after visit-in toilet facilities or s can trigger
- Tapeworms-they mainly cause infection when you consul undercooked animal products e.g pork, beef, fish etc.
- Flukes– are found in the human liver.They are transmitted when yo ingest under-cooked fish that is contaminate by them.Once the flukes release their eggs, which are excreted in stool.
Chronic symptoms of parasitic food infections include:
- Anaemia
- Disrupt nutrient absorption
- Organ damage
- Neurological symptoms
Some parasites e.g. tapeworms can stay in the digestive tract for years without detection.
How to prevent parasitic food infections
In essence, the prevention of parasitic food infections can be achieved by ensuring proper hygiene and sanitation practices as well as the thorough cooking of foods at correct temperatures.Wash hands properly with soap and water before handling food.Wash foods thoroughly especially raw fruits and vegetables.Drink treated water.Opt for pasteurized milk or boil your milk preferably before consuming it.