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Diseases transmitted by contaminated soil are mainly caused by parasites, as in the case of hookworm, ascariasis and larva migrans, for example, but it can also be related to bacteria and fungi that can remain in the soil for a long time and cause disease mainly in people with compromised immune systems.
Infections caused by contaminated soil are more frequent in children, as they have thinner skin and weakened immunity, however it can also happen in people who use immunosuppressive drugs, are malnourished or carry the virus HIV.
Some of the main diseases transmitted by contaminated soil are listed below:
1. Larva migrans
Cutaneous larva migrans, also known as the geographic bug, is caused by the parasite Ancylostoma braziliensis, which can be found in the soil and penetrate the skin, through small wounds, causing a reddish lesion at the entrance site. As this parasite cannot reach the deepest layers of the skin, its displacement over the days can be perceived on the surface of the skin.
What to do: The treatment for cutaneous larva migrans is done with the use of antiparasitic remedies, such as Tiabendazole, Albendazole or Mebendazole, which should be used as recommended by the doctor. Usually the symptoms of cutaneous larva migrans decrease about 3 days after the start of treatment, however it is important to follow the treatment to ensure the complete elimination of the parasite. Check out how to identify and treat the geographic bug.
2. Hookworm
Hookworm, also known as hookworm or yellowing, is a verminosis caused by parasites Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus, whose larvae can remain and develop in the soil, until they penetrate through the skin of people they come into contact with, especially when walking barefoot.
After passing through the host's skin, the parasite reaches the lymphatic or blood circulation until it reaches the lungs, being able to rise up to the mouth and then be swallowed together with the secretions, then reaching the small intestine where it becomes an adult worm.
The adult worm remains attached to the intestinal wall and feeds on the person's food debris as well as on the blood, causing anemia and leaving the person looking pale and weak due to blood loss. Learn to identify the symptoms of yellowing and understand its life cycle.
What to do: The initial treatment for hookworm aims to relieve symptoms, especially anemia, and iron supplementation is usually recommended. Then, treatment is done to eliminate the parasite, in which the use of Albendazole or Mebendazole is indicated according to the doctor's recommendation.
3. Ascariasis
Ascariasis, popularly known as roundworm, is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Ascaris lumbricoides, which leads to the appearance of intestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, colic, difficulty in evacuating and loss of appetite.
The most common form of transmission of ascariasis is through the consumption of contaminated water or food, but as it remains in the soil until it becomes infectious, it can affect children who play in the soil and take dirty hands or toys contaminated with eggs. Ascaris the mouth.
Eggs from Ascaris lumbricoides they are resistant and can survive for many years on the ground, so to avoid disease it is important to always wash your food well, drink only filtered water and avoid bringing your hand or dirty objects directly to your mouth.
What to do: If infection is suspected Ascaris lumbricoides, it is recommended to go to the doctor so that tests can be done and treatment can be started, which is done with Albendazole or Mebendazole.
4. Tetanus
Tetanus is a disease that can be transmitted by the soil and caused by bacteria Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through wounds, cuts or skin burns and releases toxins.The toxin of this bacterium causes widespread muscle tension, which can generate severe contractures and progressive muscle stiffness, which are life-threatening.
O Clostridium tetani lives on earth, dust or feces of people or animals, in addition to rusting metals, such as nails or metal fences can also harbor this bacterium.
What to do: Vaccination is the only effective way to prevent the disease, however, wound care can also help, such as doing a thorough cleaning of the lesion, preventing the accumulation of bacteria spores in the damaged tissue.
5. Tungiasis
Tungiasis is a parasitosis better known as a bug, also called a sand bug or a pig, caused by the pregnant females of a species of flea, called Tunga penetrans, which usually inhabits soils that contain earth or sand.
It appears as one or more lesions, in the form of small, dark brown lumps, which cause itching and, if inflamed, can cause pain and redness in the area. This infection usually affects people who walk barefoot, so the main form of prevention is to prefer walking shoes, especially on sandy soils. See more about how to identify, prevent and treat the bug.
What to do: The treatment is done with the removal of the parasite at the health center with sterile material and, in some cases, vermifuges such as Tiabendazole and Ivermectin may be indicated.
6. Sporotrichosis
Sporotrichosis is a disease caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii, which inhabits nature and is present in places such as soil, plants, straw, thorns or wood. It is also known as "gardener's disease", as it is common to affect these professionals, as well as farmers and other workers who come into contact with contaminated plants and soil.
Generally, this infection affects only the skin and subcutaneous tissue, where small lumps form on the skin, which can grow and form ulcers. However, in some cases, the fungus can spread to other parts of the body, especially if immunity is compromised, reaching bones, joints, lungs or the nervous system.
What to do: In case of sporotrichosis, it is recommended to use antifungal drugs, such as Itraconazole, for example, for 3 to 6 months according to the doctor's recommendation. It is important that the treatment is not interrupted without recommendation, even if there are no more symptoms, because otherwise it can stimulate fungi resistance mechanisms and, thus, make the treatment of the disease more complicated.
7. Paracoccidioidomycosis
Paracoccidioidomycosis is an infectious disease caused by inhaling the fungus spores Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, which lives in the soil and in plantations, being, therefore, more common to happen in farmers and moderators of rural areas.
Paracoccidioidomycosis can affect several parts of the body, and usually causes signs and symptoms such as fever, weight loss, weakness, skin and mucosal lesions, shortness of breath or enlarged lymph nodes throughout the body.
What to do: Treatment for paracoccidioidomycosis can be done at home with the use of antifungal tablets that should be used as directed by the doctor, and Itraconazole, Fluconazole or Voriconazole, for example, may be recommended. In addition, it is recommended to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during treatment.
How to prevent soil-borne diseases
To avoid soil-borne diseases, it is important not to walk barefoot, avoid the consumption of potentially contaminated food and water and invest in improving basic sanitation conditions.
In addition, it is important to pay attention to hand washing, especially children, who can put a dirty hand in their mouth or eyes and, thus, favor the development of diseases. Therefore, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly before and after going to the bathroom and having contact with animals.