7 Diseases transmitted by contaminated soil

In the soil can be found several microorganisms that can cause disease in people, especially in children, who have thinner skin and weakened immunity. In addition, people who use immunosuppressive drugs, are malnourished or are carriers of the HIV virus, for example, have less effective body protection, with a greater likelihood of acquiring one of the diseases transmitted by the soil.

Soil-borne diseases are mainly caused by parasites, as in the case of hookworm, ascariasis and larva migrans, for example, but can also be related to bacteria and fungi that can remain in the soil for a long time.

Although there are many diseases transmitted by contaminated and polluted soil, here are some of the most common examples, which are:

1. Larva migrans

The 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 deeper layers of the skin, its displacement over the days can be perceived on the skin's surface.

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 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 called Amarelão, is a verminosis caused by the parasites Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus , whose larvae can remain and develop in the soil, until they penetrate through the skin of people that come into contact, especially when walking barefoot.

After passing through the host's skin, the parasite reaches the lymphatic or blood circulation until it reaches the lungs, and can 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 blood, causing anemia and leaving the person looking pale and weak due to blood loss. Learn more about symptoms, treatment and how to prevent yellowing.

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 is considered a geohelminth, that is, it needs time in the soil to become infectious. 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 Ascaris eggs to mouth.

Ascaris lumbricoides eggs are resistant and can survive for many years in the soil, so to avoid the disease it is always important to wash food well, drink only filtered water and avoid taking your hand or dirty objects directly to your mouth.

What to do: If there is a suspicion of infection with 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 caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani , which enters the body through wounds, cuts or burns of the skin 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.

Clostridium tetani lives in the soil, dust or feces of people or animals. Rust from metals, such as nails or metal fences, can also harbor this bacteria.

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. Learn more about how transmission occurs and how to prevent tetanus.

5. Tungiasis

Tungiasis is a parasitosis better known as a bug, also called a sand bug or a pig, caused by pregnant females of a species of flea, called Tunga penetrans , which usually inhabit 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: 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.

This infection usually 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 remedies, 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 the inhalation of the spores of the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis , which lives in the soil and in plantations, and is therefore more common in farmers and moderators in 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 alcoholic beverages during treatment.

In addition to paracoccidioidomycosis, other fungal diseases can be acquired by inhaling fungal particles, such as blastomycosis or coccidioidomycosis, for example. Learn all about coccidioidomycosis.

How to prevent soil-borne diseases

In order 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 well before and after going to the bathroom and having contact with animals.