Isosporosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Isospora belli and its main symptoms are prolonged diarrhea, abdominal cramps and increased gases that usually disappears within a few weeks.
Isosporosa is common in warm areas where basic hygiene and sanitation conditions are precarious, with the development of this parasite favoring its infectious form The transmission of Isospora belli is carried out by the consumption of food or water contaminated with this parasite, so it is important to pay attention to hygiene habits, both food and personal.
- Isosporosis usually causes no symptoms and the infection goes back spontaneously.
- However in some situations.
- Especially when the person has a weakened immune system.
- It is possible to have:.
In people with impaired immune systems, isosporiosis may promote the onset of other chronic infections, as well as increase the risk of dehydration, as diarrhea is watery and prolonged, requiring hospitalization of the person.
Diagnosis is made by identifying the presence of oocysts in the stool, but your doctor may also indicate an endoscopy, in which changes in the intestinal lining and atrophy of intestinal villlos can be observed, indicating an isospora belli infection.
The life cycle of Isospora belli begins with the consumption of food or water contaminated with oocysts of this parasite, in the intestine is released the responsible form of the disease, the sporocysts, which reproduce asexually and sexually and evolve into the oocyst, which is eliminated in the faeces.
Oocysts released into the stool take about 24 hours to develop and become infectious, but this duration also varies depending on weather conditions.The warmer the environment, the faster the infection can occur.
The treatment of isosporiosis aims to promote the elimination of the pathogen, and the doctor usually indicates the use of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim.Your doctor may also recommend the use of another medicine if the person has an allergy to any component of the medicine or if treatment is not working, and metronidazole, sulfadiazine-pyrymetamine or sulfadoxine-pyrimetamine may be indicated.
Also, because there is often chronic diarrhea, it is recommended that the person drink plenty of water and rest to avoid dehydration.
The prevention of isosporiosis is to avoid the consumption of food and water probably in contact with faeces, in addition it is important to take measures that prevent contamination, such as proper washing of hands and food and the improvement of environmental health conditions.prevent parasititarian diseases.