Parasites are infectious organisms which cannot be classified as bacteria, fungi or viruses. There are several different kinds of parasites which can infect the colon; some of the more common ones are Giardia, Cryptosporidia, amoebas and tapeworms. Most parasitic infections of the colon cause similar symptoms.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms associated with parasitic infections of the colon. Patients who have a colonic Giardia infection will experience diarrhea that is watery and smells foul, the Mayo Clinic explains, which may alternate with greasy stools. A Cryptosporidium infection, on the other hand, will result in large volumes of watery diarrhea being passed several times a day, according to Medline Plus.
Abdominal Pain and Cramping
A colon infection with a parasite can also result in pain in the abdomen and cramping, the Division of Parasitic Diseases notes. This cramping and pain can be the result of abdominal gas which can accumulate due to the release of gas by the parasites as a byproduct of the way they break down food particles.
Bloody Stools
Certain kinds of parasitic infections, such as amebiasis, can result in damage to the walls of the colon. This can lead to blood appearing in the stool.
Nausea
Another common symptom of a parasite in the colon is nausea. This can be coupled with a loss of appetite, causing patients to experience weight loss. Because intestinal parasites can also consume food particles before the nutrients are absorbed by the body, resulting in malnutrition.
Fever
Amebiasis can also result in the immune system becoming activated, resulting in fever and malaise.
Parasites In Stool
Often one of the first signs of a tapeworm infection is the appearance of segments of the parasite in the stool, Medline Plus notes. In some cases these segments will still be alive and moving.
