Can You Get Parasitic Infections from Handling Water Plants?

Q: Can You Get Parasitic Infections from Handling Water Plants?

Dear readers： Regarding <Parasites...> the response is as follows：<br>A： You can refer to the CDC website at http：//www.cdc.gov.tw/diseaseinfo.aspx? <br>1. <br>Overview of Common Intestinal Parasitic Diseases： Intestinal parasitic diseases are prevalent in tropical and subtropica

Parasitic infection issues?

Due to the need for fish farming, I manually pulled aquatic plants from a field ditch.
After pulling them out, I washed my hands, and once they were dry, I ate some mint candy.
Later, I discovered some worms in the aquarium that seem to be schistosomes.
Is there a possibility of having a parasitic infection from this?

A-Zhe, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/14

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

Dear readers: Regarding the response is as follows:
A: You can refer to the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw/diseaseinfo.aspx?
1.
Overview of Common Intestinal Parasitic Diseases: Intestinal parasitic diseases are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and are common in developing or underdeveloped countries.
The prevalence of intestinal infectious diseases in various regions or countries can indirectly reflect local sanitary conditions and quality of life.
The pathogens of intestinal parasites include protozoa and helminths.
Common protozoan infections include amoebic dysentery, Giardia lamblia, and Cryptosporidium.
Helminth infections include Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworms, whipworms, pinworms, Clonorchis sinensis, and tapeworms.
2.
Modes of Transmission:
(1) The symptoms of intestinal parasitic diseases vary depending on the type of pathogen.
Infection with general nematodes (such as Ascaris, hookworms, and whipworms) may present symptoms including abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, malnutrition, and weight loss.
In cases of heavy infection, complications such as intestinal obstruction, anemia, bile duct obstruction, and inflammation may occur.
Pinworm infections may lead to symptoms such as loss of appetite, insomnia, irritability, and intense anal itching.

(2) About 90% of individuals infected with Entamoeba histolytica are asymptomatic but may intermittently shed cysts, potentially infecting others.
The remaining 10% may experience symptoms as the protozoa invade the intestinal wall, with mild cases presenting as abdominal discomfort, intermittent diarrhea, or constipation, while severe cases may include fever, chills, bloody stools, or mucoid diarrhea.
Secondary extraintestinal infections may also occur, with liver abscesses being the most common, and in severe cases, lung or brain abscesses may develop.

(3) Common symptoms of tapeworm infections include unexplained abdominal pain, decreased appetite, nausea, malnutrition, and weight loss.
The eggs of the pork tapeworm can hatch in the small intestine and migrate into body tissues or organs, causing cysticercosis.
The cysts are most commonly found in subcutaneous tissues and muscles, often with minimal symptoms; however, if cysts infect the brain, eyes, or spinal cord, severe sequelae may occur.

(4) Mild infections with Clonorchis sinensis often present with subtle symptoms, with most cases evolving into a chronic process.
Symptoms may gradually develop to include loss of appetite, weakness, discomfort in the upper abdomen, diarrhea, bloating, dyspepsia, right upper quadrant pain, and hepatomegaly.
A high worm burden can lead to bile duct obstruction, cholangitis, or jaundice.
Long-term infections may result in gallstones and even cases of liver cirrhosis or cancer.
2.
From the above, it is understood that the main route of transmission is through inadequate handwashing, leading to the ingestion of parasites or eggs.
Therefore, proper handwashing before meals and after using the restroom is essential.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2017/11/14

More Info

Handling water plants, especially in natural settings like ditches or ponds, can indeed pose a risk for parasitic infections, including those caused by organisms such as schistosomiasis (blood flukes). Schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma, which can be found in freshwater environments. The lifecycle of these parasites typically involves freshwater snails as intermediate hosts, and humans can become infected when they come into contact with contaminated water.

In your case, the risk of infection from handling water plants depends on several factors:
1. Exposure to Contaminated Water: If the water in which you were pulling out the plants was contaminated with schistosomiasis larvae (cercariae), there is a potential risk. These larvae can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, leading to infection.

2. Skin Integrity: If you had any cuts, abrasions, or open wounds on your hands while handling the water plants, this could increase the risk of the parasites entering your body. Healthy, intact skin serves as a barrier against many pathogens, but any breaks in the skin can allow for easier entry.

3. Hand Hygiene: You mentioned washing your hands after handling the water plants. If you used soap and water thoroughly, this would significantly reduce the risk of transferring any parasites to your mouth when you later ate the mint candy. However, if any larvae were present on your hands before washing, and if they were able to penetrate the skin, there could still be a risk of infection.

4. Symptoms and Monitoring: Schistosomiasis may not present symptoms immediately after infection. Symptoms can take weeks to months to appear and may include fever, chills, cough, and muscle aches, followed by more specific symptoms related to the affected organs (e.g., abdominal pain, diarrhea, or blood in urine). If you experience any unusual symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional.

5. Environmental Factors: The presence of snails in the water body is a significant indicator of potential schistosomiasis risk. If you know that the area is known for schistosomiasis or if there are reports of infections in that region, it would heighten your concern.

In conclusion, while the risk of contracting a parasitic infection from handling water plants is present, it is not guaranteed. The best course of action is to remain vigilant for any symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns or develop any symptoms. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly after handling potentially contaminated materials and avoiding contact with untreated freshwater in areas known to harbor parasites, can help mitigate the risk of infection.

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