From the Guidelines
Parasite testing is crucial for hunters who are at high risk of exposure to various pathogens, and the most appropriate testing method is a stool examination using ova and parasite examination including permanent stained smear or nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) as recommended by the 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guidelines 1.
Key Considerations
- Hunters are exposed to a broad range of pathogens due to their outdoor activities, including consumption of undercooked meats, fish, or eggs, and contact with contaminated water or soil.
- The risk of parasitic infections such as Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium spp. is higher in hunters due to their increased exposure to contaminated water and soil.
- Regular parasite testing can help detect infections early, preventing serious health problems and reducing the risk of transmission to others.
Recommended Testing
- Stool examination using ova and parasite examination including permanent stained smear or NAAT is the recommended testing method for hunters 1.
- Additional testing for specific pathogens such as Salmonella enterica, Shigella spp, and Campylobacter spp. may be necessary depending on the hunter's exposure history and symptoms.
Prevention and Treatment
- Hunters should take preventive measures such as avoiding consumption of undercooked meats, fish, or eggs, and avoiding contact with contaminated water or soil.
- Year-round preventative medication may be necessary for hunters who are at high risk of parasitic infections, and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
- Treatment of parasitic infections should be guided by the results of stool examination and other diagnostic tests, and should be managed by a healthcare provider.
From the Research
Parasite Testing for Hunters
- Hunters may be at risk of contracting various parasites, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium, through contaminated water or food 2, 3.
- Giardiasis can be treated with tinidazole, metronidazole, or nitazoxanide, with cure rates ranging from 60% to 100% 2, 4.
- Cryptosporidiosis treatment options are limited, but nitazoxanide has been licensed in the United States for treatment in non-immunodeficient individuals 3, 5.
- Hunters should be aware of the risks of parasitic infections and take precautions to avoid contaminated water and food, such as using water filters or purification tablets 6.
- If a hunter suspects they have contracted a parasitic infection, they should consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment 2, 4, 5.
Treatment Options
- Tinidazole and metronidazole are effective treatments for giardiasis, with a single dose of tinidazole or a 5- to 7-day course of metronidazole curing over 90% of individuals 2, 4.
- Nitazoxanide is effective against giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis, but requires multiple doses 3, 5.
- Paromomycin may be used during early pregnancy, but is not always effective 2, 4.
- Other treatment options, such as albendazole and quinacrine, may be less effective or have more side effects 2, 4.
Prevention
- Hunters can reduce their risk of parasitic infections by avoiding contaminated water and food, using water filters or purification tablets, and practicing good hygiene 6.
- Hunters should also be aware of the risks of parasitic infections and take precautions to avoid them, such as avoiding raw or undercooked meat and avoiding contact with contaminated soil or water 6.