Causes and risk factors
This infection is caused due to Hymenolepis diminuta and Hymenolepis nana. The eggs of these parasites are found in the warm and moist soil. There they hatch into larvae and through the contaminated food or water they enter the human body or the rodents after traveling through the body they reach the stomach where they molt into adult worm. The adult worm then lays eggs which are passed through the feces into the environment and thus a new cycle continues .Eggs of these worms can also be ingested by the insects particularly those which are found in and around the stored grains and cereals. Long stored grains and cereals when contaminated with these insects can also cause transmission of the infection. Contamination of the infected soil with food or working in soil or infected dirt areas causes transmission of the organism. An immune compromised people, old people and children whose immunity is yet to build up completely are at high risk for developing the infection.
Clinical presentation
The infection can be asymptomatic for many years. Ingestion through food causes pain in abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The patient experience cramps while passing stools. The stool is watery and bloody. Fever, loss of appetite, itching at anal region, purtitis and weakness are the other symptoms seen. Irritability and restlessness are also seen. It leads to protein and iron deficiency and hampers the overall nutrition status of the individual
Investigations
Diagnosis is confirmed on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and on examining the skin lesion. Stool examination is a diagnostic tool. Diagnosis can also be confirmed with the help of endoscopy. Certain other routine investigations like complete blood count; urine test etc can also be advised.
Treatment
Administration of oral medications is the only line of treatment. Antihemnintics are the choice of drugs. Iron supplements can also be advised. Antibiotics and antiprotzoal are also administered for symptomatic relief. Along with this certain preventive measures needs to be implemented. It comprises of maintaining proper personal hygiene, avoiding open defecation, do not use untreated nigh soil as fertilizer. The vegetables must be properly washed and cooked before eating. The grains and cereals must be properly stored.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
