Endolimax nana: what it is, symptoms, transmission and treatment

Endolimax nana: what it is, symptoms, transmission and treatment

Illnesses

Endolimax is a mother is a protozoan that parasitizes the colon of the intestine, but does not cause health problems, however, in some cases it can lead to symptoms such as intestinal cramps or diarrhea.

This parasite is transmitted through the consumption of water or food contaminated with cysts of the Endolimax is a motherand therefore, despite not causing symptoms, it can occur together with other parasitic infections, such as amoebiasis.

Read too: Amebiasis: what it is, symptoms, transmission and treatment

The treatment of Endolimax is a mother It is not always necessary as it lives in the intestine without causing problems, however, the gastroenterologist, general practitioner or pediatrician may recommend the use of medicines to eliminate other parasites, such as metronidazole, for example.

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Symptoms of Endolimax pain

The main symptoms of Endolimax is a mother they are:

  • Intestinal cramps;
  • Diarrhea;
  • Nausea.

Furthermore, the Endolimax is a mother can cause hives or polyarthritis, due to an immune system response that results in eosinophilia, which is an increase in eosinophils in the blood, which are cells that act against parasites. See how to understand the result of eosinophils in the blood.

However, the symptoms of Endolimax is a mother They are rare, and therefore, the infection is usually discovered in routine stool tests.

Furthermore, symptoms are more common in people with a severe infection or who have other associated parasitic infections.

Read too: 10 symptoms of intestinal worms

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of Endolimax is a mother It is done by the general practitioner, gastroenterologist or pediatrician through a blood count and parasitological examination of feces. Find out how the parasitological fecal examination is carried out.

Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist in the nearest region:

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Most of the time, the presence of cysts of the Endolimax is a mother It is discovered in feces when the test is indicated for the doctor to identify the cause of symptoms related to other intestinal parasites, such as amoebiasis.

How transmission happens

The transmission of Endolimax is a mother It occurs via the fecal-oral route, through the consumption of water or food contaminated with mature cysts of this parasite.

Therefore, infection by Endolimax is a mother It is more common to occur in regions that do not have adequate basic sanitation, which favors the contact of food and water with feces.

Furthermore, objects or surfaces contaminated with cysts of Endolimax is a mother when placed in the mouth or when hands are not washed well after contact with these objects, they can also transmit the parasite.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment of infection by Endolimax is a mother should be advised by a general practitioner, pediatrician or gastroenterologist, and is not always necessary, as it rarely causes symptoms.

However, as it may be associated with other infections, such as amoebiasis, the doctor may recommend treatment with medications such as metronidazole, for example. Learn how to use metronidazole.

Read too: Top 10 remedies for worms (and how to take them)

How to prevent

To prevent protozoan infection Endolimax is a motherit is recommended:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after going to the bathroom or changing diapers;
  • Do not eat raw meat, cooking it well before consuming;
  • Clean vegetables and fruits thoroughly before consuming;
  • Avoid touching objects and surfaces and touching your mouth;
  • Drink filtered or drinking water.

If this is not possible in regions with poor basic sanitation conditions, you must boil the water before using it for drinking or washing food.

Read too: How to Make Water Good to Drink (9 Home Methods)

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Master in Applied Microbiology, with qualification in Clinical Analysis and graduated from UFPE in 2017 with professional registration at CRBM/PE 08598.

We regularly update our content with the latest scientific information, so that it maintains an exceptional level of quality.

Bibliography
  • POULSEN, CS; STENSVOLD, CR Systematic review on Endolimax nana: A less well studied intestinal ameba. Trop Parasitol. 6. 1; 8–29, 2016
  • VERALSI, S.; et al. Endolimax nana and urticaria. J Infect Dev Ctries. 14. 3; 321-322, 2020
  • CDC – CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. Parasites – Nonpathogenic (Harmless) Intestinal Protozoa. 2015. Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/nonpathprotozoa/biology.html>. Accessed on January 26, 2024