Sources and Prevention of Intestinal Protozoa Transmission
Intestinal protozoa can cause serious and even fatal conditions in humans and animals. Various types of protozoa can inhabit humans, and these have a range of symptoms of different severities. Types include G lamblia, Dientamoeba fragilis, and Balantidium coli. Symptoms of the different protozoa may include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, bloating, gas, liver abscesses and colitis. It is important to understand the sources and prevention strategies of intestinal protozoa in order to combat this potentially serious condition.
The main route of transmission of intestinal protozoa is through a fecal-oral route. An individual eats or drinks something that has the intestinal protozoa in a cyst stage. The cyst then enters the trophozoite stage and has an active metabolism. It uses nutrients, and asexual reproduction can occur. New cysts will form and be excreted in the feces, which may then reach other hosts. Other less common methods may occur with specific intestinal protozoa such as sexual transmission.
Intestinal protozoa is usually associated with contaminated water and/or food. Unfortunately it is seen much more often in developing countries where insufficient regulation of the food and water supply allows for ease of contamination. It is often present where there is a great amount of overcrowding and human-to-human contact is high. Sometimes it can occur in daycares in countries with less cleaning. Unhygienic conditions increase the risk of transmission.
Water treatment may not be sufficient in some areas, and intestinal protozoa may remain in the supply. Even people drinking from streams or other water sources may get it.
A variety of other factors affect how susceptible individuals are to intestinal protozoa. Those who are victims of malnutrition may be more likely to acquire it when exposed. Also, the state of the immune system plays a role.
Much can be done to prevent the transmission of intestinal protozoa. First it is important that water treatment be sufficient to clear it of cysts, which may come from the feces of contaminated individuals. Those who have the disease should seek treatment.
The hygienic conditions should be improved to help prevent the transmission of intestinal protozoa. A proper sanitation system can help to avoid contamination of the food or water supply. If a contamination is found, it should be addressed immediately to prevent further outbreaks. People should not eat or drink from water or food that is questionable in safety. Education should continue on proper sanitation to avoid the transmission due to lack of understanding of transmission methods.
Intestinal protozoa can create serious problems for individuals and even possesses the ability to even cause fatalities. It is very important for steps to be taken to address its causes and prevent transmission.
Resources:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/999282-overview
http://www.tulane.edu/~wiser/protozoology/notes/intes.html