Parasitic Respiratory Infection

Introduction:

Parasites live in other organisms and derive nutrients from the host. They are transmitted through contaminated food, water, soil, and animal contact. The respiratory system is affected by a broad spectrum of protozoal and helminthic parasitic diseases. They are challenging to diagnose and treat as symptoms similar to other infections. These infections are treated with medication specific to the type of parasite causing infection.

What Is a Parasite?

Parasites are commonly found in almost all ecosystems, including plants, animals, and other organisms. Many parasites include protozoa (single-celled organisms), helminths, worms, and arthropods. Parasites are harmless to their hosts, but few can cause disease. Parasitic infections are more common in some parts of the world and affect people of all ages. They are transmitted through contaminated food, water, soil, or close contact with an infected person or animal. Some parasites can also be transmitted through insect bites.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Parasitic Respiratory Infections?

Parasitic respiratory infections are respiratory system infections (including the nose, throat, bronchi, and lungs) caused by parasites. These infections can range from mild to severe, including coughing, chest pain, fever, and shortness of breath.

Some examples of parasites causing infections:

• Pulmonary Amebiasis: It is an infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica. Symptoms include fever, cough, chest pain, and right upper quadrant abdominal pain. In addition, lung abscesses, pyopneumothorax, and hepatic fistula occur.

• Toxoplasmosis: It is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Its primary hosts are cats. Infects the human through ingestion of cyst-contaminated undercooked food. The common symptoms are myalgia and generalized lymphadenopathy. It is commonly seen in human immunodeficiency (HIV) infected patients. Other symptoms include interstitial pneumonia, diffuse alveolar damage, or necrotizing pneumonia.

• Pulmonary Leishmaniasis: It is a parasitic infection caused by Leishmania donovani transmitted by sandfly species. It manifests as pneumonitis, pleural effusion, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

• Strongyloidiasis: A parasitic infection caused by the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis. The larvae invade through soft tissues and enter the lungs through the bloodstream. The life cycle of Strongyloides is within the host. In immunocompromised patients, the infection is termed ‘hyper-infection syndrome’ because of sepsis from enteric flora. Respiratory symptoms are wheezing, hoarseness, dyspnea, and hemoptysis. Pleural effusion and lung abscesses are seen in chronic cases.

• Ascariasis: It is a parasitic infection caused by the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. They larvae migrate to the lungs through lymphatic drainage. It causes Loffler’s syndrome and eosinophilia.

• Strongyloidiasis: It is an infection caused by the Strongyloides stercoralis, a roundworm that invades the respiratory system and causes symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing hoarseness.

• Pneumocystis Pneumonia: It is an infection caused by the Pneumocystis jirovecii fungus, which invades the respiratory system and causes symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

• Schistosomiasis: It is an infection caused by five Schistosome species in humans. Among parasitic infections, flatworms are the second most common mortality cause after malaria. Humans get infected through the skin when they come in contact with contaminated water. The cercariae larvae penetrate the skin and migrate into the lungs and liver. It is commonly seen among travelers with a history of swimming in the lake and rafting. The patients present with symptoms such as dyspnea, wheezing, dry cough, abdominal pain, myalgia, eosinophilia, and hepatosplenomegaly. In chronic cases, it causes portal hypertension and peripheral fibrosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Parasitic Respiratory Infections?

The symptoms of parasitic respiratory infections vary depending on the specific parasite and the severity of the infection. In some cases, parasites may cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. Symptoms include

• Coughing.

• Shortness of breath.

• Chest pain.

• Fatigue.

• Fever.

• Sweating.

• Weight loss.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Wheezing.

Other symptoms involve:

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Diarrhea.

• Abdominal pain.

• Joint pain.

• Muscle pain.

How Are Parasitic Respiratory Infections Diagnosed?

Parasitic respiratory infections are typically diagnosed based on a combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory tests. A healthcare provider asks for a chest X-ray, CT scan (computed tomography), or other imaging tests to get a better look at the respiratory system. They may also collect samples of mucus or other bodily fluids for testing in a laboratory to identify the specific type of parasite causing the infection.

• Physical Exam: A physician will perform a physical exam and take complete medical history and symptoms.

• Laboratory Tests: A sample of your blood, phlegm, or other bodily fluid may be collected and sent to a laboratory for testing to identify the presence of parasites.

• Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays or CT scans may be used to look for signs of a lung parasitic infection.

• Bronchoscopy: Bronchoscopy is a procedure to look into the airways and lungs for testing in which a flexible, thin tube with a camera and a light is inserted through the mouth or nose to take samples for testing.

How Are Parasitic Respiratory Infections Treated?

Treatment for parasitic respiratory infections typically involves the use of medications to kill the parasites. The specific medication and dosage will depend on the type of parasite causing the infection. Admission to the hospital to provide supportive care if the infection is severe.

• Toxoplasmosis: It is generally treated with a combination of medications like Sulfadiazine and Pyrimethamine.

• Strongyloidiasis: It is treated with a single dose of the medication Ivermectin.

• Ascariasis: It is treated with a single dose of Albendazole and Mebendazole.

Can Parasitic Respiratory Infections Be Prevented?

• Parasitic respiratory infections are prevented by avoiding exposure to the parasites that cause them.

• Good hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing, cooking meat at a safe temperature, and avoiding contaminated water sources.

• In some cases, vaccines are also available to help protect against certain types of parasitic infections.

Conclusion:

Parasitic respiratory infections are caused by parasites that invade the respiratory system and cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. These infections can be caused by various parasites, including worms, protozoa, and fungi, and can range in severity from mild to severe. They are more common in certain parts of the world, such as tropical and subtropical regions, and are often found in people with compromised immune systems. Treatment for parasitic respiratory infections may involve medications to kill the parasites and relieve symptoms, as well as supportive care for managing complications and preventing the further spread of the infection. Good hygiene and preventive measures are taken to reduce the risk of infections.