Hi there

Currently reading a book about parasites, don't laugh, but its got me paranoid. Is there a test to make sure I have none, or should I just take some kind of parasite purgative just in case. Are they common in BKK?

cheers

DM

I've lived in Thailand - mostly Chiang Mai and Bangkok - for 32 years, and have had regular stool exams every few years. So far no doctor has found any parasites in my GI system, nor have I had symptoms of parasites.

I've had amoebas thrice; once each in India, Indonesia and Myanmar.

Intestinal parasites are not that common in BKK if you have food from reputable outlets but if you are concerned, it is fine to take something like Zentel once a year or so. This is a broad spectrum "de-worming" agent that has few or no side effects and is a single dose.

Syrup available for kids too.

Stool exams are generally a waste of time.

Please don't read any books on Psychiatry!!

Thanks.

Does eating sushi put one at risk of getting worms?

DM

You are probably referring to Anisakiasis, a parasite that infects marine animals. So, yes, in theory you can. How frequently this happens is difficult to say but it would not deter me from having sushi or sashimi...

I am no expert on this but I believe that a high Eos blood level may indicate a parasitic infection. On one occasion my level was higher than normal (about 8 or 10 p/c) and I was prescribed Zentel. This was in Vietnam where the nurse in the clinic admitted that she takes a dose of Zentel every 6 months.

I've lived in Thailand - mostly Chiang Mai and Bangkok - for 32 years, and have had regular stool exams every few years. So far no doctor has found any parasites in my GI system, nor have I had symptoms of parasites.

I've had amoebas thrice; once each in India, Indonesia and Myanmar.

I'd say this is fairly conclusive evidence. But there are so many variables. If you feel well most of the time, then you probably are WELL! FBN is right - psychiatry texts are not useful in this context. Regards

Thanks.

Does eating sushi put one at risk of getting worms?

DM

most countries have requirements for freezing fish prior to consuming it as sushi. The freezing kills all the parasites. We aren't talking about your home freezer but rapid and deep freezing procedures. The freezing and subsequent thawing greatly improves the texture also.

Not a good idea for example to eat truly raw wild salmon as most have parasites.

Many cultures have traditional foods that help reduce or eliminate parasites. Native North Americans would eat pumpkin seeds as a de worming protocol.