-Anamnesis and consultation via video call (Zoom; Skype) or telephone (Duration approximately 45-60 minutes)
-Review and assessment of previous findings
-Questionnaire for comprehensive assessment of current health status
-Recommendation for further diagnostic and confirmation measures,
Parasites are organisms that live at the expense of their host. Many parasites have specialized in surviving in the human body or another host. They often use the gastrointestinal tract as an entry point, as it is easily accessible through contaminated food or water.
In recent decades, parasitic diseases have played a minor role in modern industrialized nations due to high hygiene standards and moderate climatic conditions. However, due to globalization, long-distance tourism, and climate change, the importance of parasitic diseases could increase in the future.
For example, infections with intestinal helminths are among the most common infections worldwide. About one-fifth of the world’s population carries hookworms, roundworms, or whipworms in their intestines, and over 200 million people are affected by schistosomes.
Parasitic intestinal infections are on the rise in Germany. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergies, histamine intolerance, and leaky gut syndrome. Especially after stays in warmer regions, parasitic intestinal infections should be considered when such symptoms occur. Diagnosis and anti-parasitic treatment can be initiated after detecting the pathogens in the stool, allowing for prompt treatment and preventive measures.
The most well-known intestinal parasites are microscopic parasites (protozoa) such as Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp., Blastocytis hominis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and intestinal worms (helminths) such as Ancylostoma spp., Ascaris spp., Enterobius vermicularis, Hymenolepis spp., Enterocytozoon spp./Encephalitozoon spp., Necator americanus, Strongyloides spp., Taenia spp., Trichuris trichiura.