Differential Diagnosis for GI Parasite Causing Nausea and Vomiting
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Giardiasis: This is a common intestinal parasite that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. It's often contracted through contaminated water or food, making it a likely cause in individuals who have recently traveled or consumed potentially contaminated sources.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cryptosporidiosis: Caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite, this infection can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It's commonly spread through contaminated water or direct contact with an infected person.
- Amoebiasis: Caused by the Entamoeba histolytica parasite, this infection can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It's often contracted through contaminated food or water.
- Hookworm infection: While primarily known for causing iron deficiency anemia, hookworm infections can also lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting, especially during the initial phase of infection.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cyclosporiasis: Caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, this infection can lead to severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. It's often associated with outbreaks linked to contaminated produce.
- Strongyloidiasis: Caused by the Strongyloides stercoralis parasite, this infection can lead to a range of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It's particularly dangerous in immunocompromised individuals, where it can lead to a life-threatening condition known as hyperinfection syndrome.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Anisakiasis: Caused by the Anisakis parasite, this infection is typically acquired through the consumption of undercooked or raw fish. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, but is relatively rare in areas where fish is commonly cooked thoroughly.
- Fasciolopsiasis: Caused by the Fasciolopsis buski parasite, this infection is primarily found in Asia and is associated with the consumption of contaminated water plants. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, but is rare in other parts of the world.
- Diphyllobothriasis: Caused by the Diphyllobothrium latum parasite, this infection is typically acquired through the consumption of undercooked or raw fish. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, but is relatively rare and often associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.