A tapeworm is a parasite that lives in the intestines of animals and can sometimes infect humans.  These tapeworms can be passed via infected food or water or through contact with stools.

Treatment is required to rid the body of the adult tapeworm.  If the tapeworm lays eggs and they settle outside the person’s intestines, other illnesses can occur.  Often though, people do not realize they have been infected with a tapeworm as they might not have any symptoms.  Sometimes any symptoms which may appear such as stomach pain can be contributed to something else.  Symptoms of a tapeworm could include, nausea, weight loss, stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dizziness, insomnia or malnutrition. These symptoms depend on the type of tapeworm and the part of the body which is infected.

Soil can become contaminated by animal stools which can then result in other animals ingesting the tapeworm eggs when grazing.  These eggs then develop inside the animal and can be passed to humans through the infected meat from the animal.

Tapeworm

Tapeworms are diagnosed by finding the eggs or larvae in the stools.  A sample of stools should be provided in order for diagnosis to be made and the doctor would need to examine the anus to inspect for any evidence of tapeworms.

Treatment for tapeworm infection involves medication prescribed by the doctor.  Good hygiene can prevent tapeworm infection as can proper handling of food.

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus which can lead to AIDS. There are many ways to contract this virus, with the most common being through unprotected sex and the sharing of needles.

People who are infected with HIV may initially not realize there is anything wrong with them as they do not show any symptoms. Nevertheless, some people tend to develop some flu like symptoms which can last for several weeks. Some of these symptoms may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, aching muscles and joints, rashes and swollen lymph glands.

HIV Virus Structure

When the virus enters the body, it takes residence in white blood cells that are known as CD4 lymphocytes. The virus takes total control of these cells and starts producing billions of replicas of itself every day.

Once infection of HIV occurs, the body starts to attack the virus and because of this the virus cannot make any copies of itself. This in turn leads to a false sense of wellness as although one would still have HIV, the infected person will begin to look and feel better. Unfortunately, during this period the virus is still attacking the lymph nodes, which are the body’s immune system center.

During the course of ten to fifteen years, the HIV manages to kill so many of the CD4 cells that the body no longer has the ability to fight off infections. Once the CD4 cell count drops below a certain number (200 or lower per mL – the average is 600 to 1000) the sufferer is classed as having AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Once a person has AIDS, the risk of infection form almost anything can cause fatal complications.

HIV Virus Cycle

Rotavirus infection affects the stomach and intestines in children with symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting. Most cases of the rotavirus infection are mild and usually clear up without medical intervention within a few days but some children, especially toddlers under the age of two, can be at risk of dehydration so it is essential to keep them hydrated with plenty of fluids.

The rotavirus infection is spread by infected people who haven’t washed their hands properly after going to the toilet. This can cause tiny amounts of infected feces being passed on to the child.  Small amounts of these infected feces can also be carried in the air resulting in the child inhaling them. Most children will have contracted the rotavirus infection by the age of five.  The rotavirus infection is more common during the winter and spring and it is usually common for the first virus to be the worst as after that the child will have built up some immunity.  It is for this reason that the rotavirus is rare in adults.

Rotavirus Infection

The rotavirus is extremely contagious in children and can even infect children who have already had the infection due to full immunity not being built up.  It is a good idea to isolate an infected child for a period of at least 48 hours after they have stopped having diarrhea and vomiting.

Symptoms of the rotavirus infection include rapid onset of diarrhea and vomiting and also occasionally a high temperature of 38C or above however it is important to recognize the signs of dehydration as this can occur if not enough fluids are taken.  Signs of dehydration include weakness, rapid breathing, little or no urine, or dry mouth and eyes.

The most important thing to do for a child with the rotavirus infection is to keep them hydrated and the infection will usually pass within a few days.