I know the risk is way higher in undeveloped countries and the US is “presumably safe”, but how much?
[in response to post below: It was an Italian in Milan who warned me of this, though in underdeveloped countries]
{“Moreover, the FLA species Vermamoeba vermiformis that commonly causes severe infections in humans was found in a fifth (19%) of vegetable samples; and Acanthamoeba castellanii, that can cause blindness and encephalitis were identified in almost two thirds (63%) of samples.” => IN VALENCIA
With regard to worms in the US, see the paper below. The numbers are disturbing and suggestive of a possible silent epidemic. But there’s a lack of quality up-to-date data to know for sure. I first became aware of this review about a decade ago. Based on that, and also travel to a third world area, I’ve since taken multiple antiparasitic medications (not all at once) just in case: albendazole, praziquantel, nitazoxanide, triclabendazole. That pretty much covers it all. No side effects from any of these meds.
Nitazoxanide is something I keep stocked. It has broad antiviral and antiparasitic action. And it’s believed to be a low risk medication.
My understanding is that Pseudomonas, Salmonella, and Helicobacter are more dangerous to people who are very young, very old, very sick/wounded, and/or immunocompromised. I am not sure how much of a threat they pose to everyone else.
If you take rapamycin, an immunosupressant with a worm infection, it might cause Strongyloides stercoralis Hyperinfection, which has a high mortality rate? Worm infections seems more common in countries where they use manure, probably human, for growing vegetables etc. Does organic vegetables have more worms on average?
It means that we have to wash well and peel all veggies we eat fresh or cook them. I eat fresh broccoli, carrots, white cabbage, onion, garlic, turmeric and greens/herbs for salad. The rest I cook.