Lessons from Parasites

Please note that the information provided in this post is for educational purposes only, it is not meant to diagnose or treat any health condition - you should discuss any treatment plan with your doctor. 

(pictures from the Mars rover)

Article written by Patrick Bayer C.N.C.

I have spent a great amount of time researching parasites trying to resolve my issues.  Along the way I have picked up much information from both medical textbooks, research articles, personal and other's experiences.   Here are some the lessons learned:                                                                                                            1.  Parasites may not be your problem.  People assume that because they feel sick that parasites are the cause.  There is no question that parasites will cause you to be ill but so will other pathogens such as yeast/fungus/molds, viruses, rogue bacteria, lyme, mycoplasma infections etc.  

The gut is one of first places to look if you feel sick. A majority of the immune system resides in the gut since it is vulnerable to pathogens (always exercise food safety practices). 

 If you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome you well may have parasites 

http://pptu.lefora.com/2012/12/20/intestinal-parasites-may-be-causing-your-energy-sl/#post0

If  you have a gut related diagnosis such as IBS, colitis, Crohn's etc, there is a very good chance that pathogenic organisms are the root cause.  Studies have shown that parasites, rogue bacteria* or yeast/fungal may be involved.  Doctors do not suspect this and their advice may delay your recovery.   Pathogenic testing in the gut is difficult and may require many tests.    

*rogue bacteria would be organisms that are unknown but create problems in the gut. There are some well known bacteria that cause problems such as c. difficile which can be identified. 

I would suggest reading this link for some great ideas on gastrointestinal issues. The author outlines the concepts about dysbiosis which is a broad term to describe gastro problems generally caused by rogue bacteria or fungal/yeast issues. He does not delve into the idea of parasites, the protocol seems quite logical for the other issues (bacteria/yeast). 

(Remember in life there are no absolutes, you likely will be faced with many obstacles in this journey, but remember you faced other obstacles and you found a way. It is important to know that not every expert has the answer but may provide a new lead in the journey. Don't be discouraged).

2.  Testing can be very helpful.  Parasite testing is hit or miss and with most labs, they simply fail to find the problem, so you may have to test with  more than one lab.  I know people who have tested up to 50 times until they found the culprit.   There are many reasons for this which you can read about here >> https://parawellnessresearch.com/articles/

3.  The best labs are

z/ Update 2/2020 uBiome filed for bankruptcy protection. When I last checked, there were a number of similar labs. I read several reviews and some seemed so-so while others had better reviews. My personal opinion is that these labs can offer a glimpse into things, they may not be perfect.

uBiome is a new technology company that offers at home testing for $89. At this time they are testing for microbiome which would include healthy organisms and they state they test for pathogenic and commenseal organisms (commenseal would be defined as organisms that neither pathogenic (disease causing) or necessary organisms).

They use PCR analysis which in simple terms finds DNA in your specimen. PCR is the latest technology which avoids human error. I have not done this test but feel it could be a valuable test to do some preliminary screening. The cost is very reasonable and is easy to facilitate. It would be my first choice.

The microbiome (or colony of organisms in the gut) is an up and coming study. It is now realized that the gut plays a key role in the health of the body and brain. Every person has a unique mix of organisms which influence many things such as weight control, inflammatory conditions, inflammation, immunity and others.

Advantage: Uses PCR analysis which is considered to more accurate than microscopy testing, ease of use, cost is reasonable. Tests levels of healthy bacteria and according to their site they test for pathogenic and commenseal organisms. At this time, I am not sure of what pathogens besides bacterial that they test for.

Disadvantage: May not be widely accepted by doctors as traditional labs (which have their own pitfalls), however it would be accepted by open minded physicians.

a/ Dr. Kevin Cahill in NYC requires a personal visit, cost is $500.  He uses a 'hot sample' to diagnose.
Advantage:  Well respected and thoughtful, accurate diagnostics (one of the top parasitologists), writes prescriptions, cost is reasonable.
Disadvantage:  Travel and from what I have heard does not believe Blastocystis is pathogenic.

b/ Dr. Simon Yu is located in St. Louis and recognizes and treats parasites using drug and alternative therapies.  I have only heard secondary reports about him.  I do not know if he has his own lab.
http://www.preventionandhealing.com/

c/ Dr. Shirley Scott M.D.  is located in New Mexico and is very good according to the reports I have received.  I believe she does both the testing and the treatment.   From what I hear she uses aggressive drug treatments.   Phone number is (505) 986-9960

d/  Dr. Martin Wolfe (Washington D.C.)  is now retired from what I have heard. However referrals go to Dr. Princy N. Kumar at 202-444-0086.

e/ Dr. Daniel Griffin is an infectious disease doctor in the New York area. I know about him from the TWIP podcasts (This Week in Parasitism) which you can listen to the podcasts. I do not know anyone who has visited him but his is very intelligent. Here is his contact info http://www.travelhealth.us/

f/  ParaWellness Lab in Aurora Colorado.  The sample is sent in the mail, cost is $300.   They offer suggestions for treatment which mainly include essential oil types of products.

Advantage:  Convenient, reasonable cost, accurate diagnostics, compassionate, can order test without a doctor's order.
Disadvantage: Results may take up to 4 weeks, if you want prescriptive agents they probably will not prescribe but do offer other suggestions.

g/  Dr. Stensvold is a leading parasite researcher and offers testing through Staten Serum Institut .  From what I have heard, they can offer testing by 2 different methods - traditional microscopic testing and PCR.

Advantage:  Dr. Stensvold is one of the best and can use traditional microscope testing which with most providers is useless however with him would provide a different outcome. Also has  PCR detection available which is very sensitive (can find a needle in a haystack).  Dr. Stensvold is a leading researcher of protozoa parasites and passionate about his work and also a compassionate man.  Microscopic testing can also find other pathogens such as  yeast, rogue bacteria etc. which should be considered as possibilities. 

Disadvantage:  His lab is located in Europe and shipping may cost a bit more. Traditional microcopic testing is less than $400 for many pathogens while PCR is more expensive.  May not be able to detect the commenseal parasites that can be a pathogenic subtype.   Requires a doctors order.  

h/ Dr. Glen Wilcox (New Mexico)  - LINK 
I have not spoken to their office but was told that you can call them for a parasite testing kit which the cost is $369 as of this writing.   From what I understand he uses a lab outside of the United States who reportedly is good, finding parasites that other labs failed at.   Dr. Wilcox does not prescribe drugs, only herbs.  If you have used this lab please let us know the outcomes.
Advantage:  Test from home, apparently lab is good.
Disadvantage:  Treats with herbs only, no prescriptions.  Treating doctors may not accept these findings since they are not a 'normal' lab.
Here is what Dr. Wilcox says on the website

Specimen Analysis

Since 1988, Dr. Wilcox has worked and studied with Hammed A. Ibraheem, M.D., Ph.D., the internationally respected parasitologist and founder of the Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Nigeria . Stool, urine, sputum, blood and other specimens are sent to the Medical School for analysis. For more information contact Dave at 505-771-4998 or email drwilcoxofficemanager@gmail.com.

i/ Parasitic Disease Consultants offers Elisa testing for many parasites.  The website says he was the former director of the CDC division of Parasitic Disease.   Elisa testing differs from stool testing in which they look for antigens in the samples.   He tests for about 25 parasites and most tests cost $75.  I do not know anyone who has used this lab.  It appears that a doctor's order is necessary to access the tests.
http://www.parasitic.com/test.htm

j/ DRG Labs is now offering a PCR based test (Feb 2015) - I do not have any further information. 

k/  Other lab services may be helpful in identifying some parasites but in many cases they produce false negatives.
Advantage:  Convenient, cheaper than the above alternatives.  Doctors think these labs are better than the above choices which they have unfounded disdain for.   The ordering doctor would prescribe meds if found at their labs.  However most doctors do not order adequate treatments due to ignorance.
Disadvantage:  Questionable results, may require retesting with other labs.   Requires a doctor's order.

l/  (Update Nov 2013 - Genova (formerly Metametrix) is no longer offering PCR analysis for parasites (only for certain bacteria), they are reverting back to microscopy techniques which is not effective.  I will try to find another suitable lab to replace this: Update 3/17 - uBiome offers a at home testing kit for $89, see above).  Metametrix GI Effects.  They are doing PCR for bacteria, this test may be helpful in identifying other pathogenic organisms but in terms of parasitology, I would look elsewhere.

Here is the old information about Metametrix (Genova):

Use panel #2105.  Cost is around $300, they use PCR technology rather than traditional microscope methods.
Advantage:  Uses PCR detection which is very sensitive (can find a needle in a haystack).  Provides other  diagnostic metrics such as probiotic levels, panel #2105 checks for pathogenic yeast/fungus and pathogenic bacteria as well as parasites.  Useful for general screening to see if a pathogen is present in the gut and which one is present. 

Disadvantage:  Many receive a PPTU diagnosis which means Parasite Present Taxonomy Unavailable (about 70%).  This diagnosis may require further investigation.  Many on the pptu.lefora.com forum have received either a e. histolytica diagnosis from Cahill or another parasite (ParaWellness).
Tests can be ordered through http://www.forresthealth.com/gi-effects-metametrix/  or http://www.mmx.mymedlab.com/specialty-tests/microbial-ecology-profile-mmx2105

4.  Doctors know very little about parasites and many believe if you think you have them, you are suffering with a delusional syndrome - poor doctors.   Even Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine doctors will have a hard time unless you suffer with some overt symptom.   I walked around for many years chronically ill and saw many physicians and alternative people, not one of those people even suggested parasites as being the problem.  Many erroneously believe that Americans cannot get parasites (unless you travel outside the country) which makes no sense to me.  So don't be discouraged if they don't believe you.
Here is a good post that supports these ideas click here

5.  Identification is key for treatment.  There are many types of parasites and many of them require specialized treatments.  http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=2012403  

If you suffer with protozoa parasites please visit our forum at pptu.lefora.com, we have a storehouse of education and practical experience as well as a forum for support.

 6.  Not every parasite is a worm.  Parasites can be classified into the following: 

a/  Nematodes (worms)

b/  Cestodes (tapeworms)
c/  Trematodes (flukes)

d/  Protozoa  (microscopic such as giardia etc)

Treatments are different for each classification.  

7.  Don't guess at what you have unless you have to.  Too many people guess at what they have which costs time and money in the long run, let alone the discouragement and frustration with failed results. However this does not mean that testing may be the answer.

7a. On a popular forum, there are people who post pictures of their stools. It is nearly impossible to identify parasites from these pictures. Mucoid plaque is often mistaken for parasites. My personal belief is that the mucoid plaque can be a result of infection in the gut, this infection well could be parasitic but also other pathogens such as bacteria. Pathogens come in two forms: microscopic which means you cannot see them with your eye and those you can see with the naked eye. The ones you can see with your eye are nematodes (worms), flukes or tapeworms.

Nematodes are worms,  there are many species of worms, some big like roundworm and some smaller such as threadworms. They can be identified by have a cylindrical shape and have tapered ends.

Flukes are ovoid shaped, some people report seeing 'rolled up tomato skins' in their stool.

Tapeworms are larger and come out in segments. Some people have reported seeing 'white rice' in their stool which could be the eggs.

You can view images of these using Google Images or visit this link
http://pptu.lefora.com/topic/19403254/Comprehensive-List-Education-manuals-amp-Image-Galleries#.WGAtx-ZtenI

8.   Treatment may require different combinations.  There are a number of 'cocktail' remedies which comprise of more than one product administered.  There does not appear to be a 'magic' protocol, many people experiment with different combinations.

Black Walnut type of products are considered to be a gold standard of treatment but in my opinion are questionable in their results.  It is best to keep an open mind regarding the recommendations given.   In addition to this there are reports about toxicity of wormwood (artemisia, particularly artemisia abisinthium)  and some there is information about the toxicity of black walnut.  These products are usually not effective for protozoa.   I removed roundworm using Neem, Boswellia, Myrrh and enteric coated Oil of Oregano, the worms were extracted within 1 week, although longer treatment should take place.  Banyan Botanicals offer a parasite product based on Ayurvedic methods and there are many other methods to extract parasites.  In some cases it is advisable to use drugs.  

9.  You might have to use drugs to eradicate worms - see #5.  Reports come in that using drugs in combination with parasite herbals work better.  This would be consistent with antibiotic resistant bacteria in which combos offer the best possibility.   One used Barefoot's & Vermox together which gave the best results versus using drugs alone.

Update Nov 2013:  Resistance to drugs is a growing problem and worms are no different - please see this post about techniques to identify resistance and some tips that may overcome the problem.  http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=2128433#i

Update Oct 2014:  There are reports about using grapefruit or grapefruit juice in conjunction with therapy that seems to help.   Grapefruit inhibits certain liver enzymes involved in removing the drugs or herbs so they stay longer in your system.   As with any advice given in this blog, it is suggested to research this and talk to your doctor about these protocols.  It is also important to observe any changes you see. 

10.  If you suffer from protozoa infections please see http://pptu.lefora.com/2010/09/18/welcome-please-read-2/

11.  Protozoa generally require pharmaceuticals for removal.   Some protozoa have MDR (Multi Drug Resistance) properties, please see the pptu forum (category MDR/Efflux Pumps) for more information.
Update 6/2016: I have gotten help from a combination of natural medicine, if you would like details, please leave a message at the bottom of this post.

12.  Doctors may not give you drugs but there are reports of people using veterinary forms of medicines as well as ordering from overseas that do not require a prescription.  Trusted and rated pharmacies are a better bet that you will not get ripped off. 

13.  Cysts persist.  The cyst form may be the toughest to kill and is necessary to kill to prevent re-infection.  We have preliminary reports that Lufenuron is helpful.  Lufenuron is an anti-chitin agent, chitin is the protective coating that many parasites use mostly in the cyst form but also some use in the active form.   You can read more at http://lufenuroncandidacure.owndoc.com/.  The website erroneously reports that Lufenuron is not effective against protozoa which is untrue, most protozoa use the cyst form which are comprised of chitin.  Microsporidia use chitin in another form to repopulate.  

14.  Forget about some alternative therapies, for instance Zappers have not shown to be effective, this is based on the multitude of stories I have read, table top ozone should not be used based on the by products they emit (medical ozone is ok).

Acupuncture was not directly effective but can offer some support.  Building and maintaining a healthy immune system is always a good idea.  Get your vitamin D levels checked, mineral levels checked, use supportive anti-oxidants (while not doing therapies as they may reduce effectiveness) etc.  Colostrum is a great product for immunity and tissue repair of the gut, taken along with Vitamin A and Vitamin D provides immune factors (sIgA) for the intestinal environment where most of the immune system is housed.http://pptu.lefora.com/topic/4138184/Secretory-IgA-sIgA

15. Parasites cause a diverse amount of symptoms which means there is no clear cut symptom that can assure you have parasites.    Symptoms will be determined by two factors ::: 1/ Parasite species and 2/ host immunity (how strong your immune system is).  People report a wide variety of symptoms from neurological problems, insomnia, fatigue, loose stools, constipation, muscle aches, joint pains, sore throat, memory loss, brain fog, concentration issues, cognitive problems, disorientation, gut pain, indigestion, nausea, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), colitis, celiac, Crohn's,  inflammatory bowel disease and many other symptoms.

Parasites and other infections can effect your mental/emotional health.  Many people report depression, anxiety, 'crazy feelings' or Gu Syndrome*.   Published reports show that a common protozoa Taxaplasmosis (transmitted from cat feces) will cause schizophrenic thoughts.   This post shows the correlation between mental health and infectious organisms.  Gu Syndrome is a Traditional Chinese Medicine term for a set of symptoms that modern medicine now knows as a parasitic disease, it was described as demon possession which is now known as parasitic possession.  Here is an article that may be helpful.

Cytokines are the result of immune involvement.  Cytokines will enter the brain and cause disorientation, or better known as 'brain fog', memory loss and other neurological abnormalities will occur from the cytokine 'invasion' of the brain.  Here is a comprehensive article about the many effects cytokines produce.

If your belly is sticking out and hard you probably have an infection in the gut.  This is known as a distended abdomen or ascites - This is due to the immune system, it is inflammation.    Pain in the abdomen is another sign.

16.  Parasites directly and indirectly cause damage.  The immune system is quite active during infection and uses powerful weapons to control the infection (this is why it is necessary to keep strong immunity), unfortunately the immune system produces strong oxides that damage other tissue such as the lining of the intestinal tract, this is known as leaky gut.  Burdens on the liver are created as well as immune shifting (becoming more susceptible to other attacks such as viral).  Toxins become circulated from both the immune reactions and the nasty stuff the parasites produce.   Endocrine shifting will occur as well from the immune reactions, so it is possible to see symptoms of low thyroid, gonadal shifting (estrogen, testosterone etc).  Adrenal activity is altered from the infections, which can lead to an overactive situation resulting in adrenal fatigue.

18.  Practice hygiene   More than 72 species of protozoan and helminth parasites can reach humans by way of food and water*.  Most parasites are transmitted by the fecal/oral route.  Most protozoa infections occur from the water supply which is generally not a concern for countries that have water sanitation, it is possible that non-treated water supplies can carry parasites (protozoa such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium etc).  I do not eat any fresh fruits or vegetables without some sterilizing wash, you have no idea how the fields were irrigated.  Do not eat raw meat, fish (sushi) etc.  you are asking for trouble.   I do not eat any food that has not been cooked at any restaurant (again handling is a concern).   Some parasites can be transmitted from your pets (toxocara, toxoplasmosis etc).

* http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15058817

Resources:

CDC Website:
http://dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/Default.htm

Dr. Leo Galland M.D. has a great resource for gastrointestinal issues:
http://mdheal.org/articles.htm

Manual for laboratory identification
http://www.afpmb.org/sites/default/files/whatsnew/2009/Diagnosing_Medical_Parasites.pdf

Protozoa forum:
pptu.lefora.com

This link has a great visual library that helps identify specific parasites through unique features
 parasite link  

Parasite Menace by Skye Weintraub
Good book on using natural remedies for all parasites, well researched and practical

Parasitology Textbook 
Diagnostic Medical Parasitology, Fifth Edition, Lynn S Garcia

Disclaimer: This information is educational only, please consult a physician.