Helminth infections or helminth infestations are acute infectious diseases caused by the entry of special parasites, helminths, into the body of an adult. These include flat, round, ring, and other worms. These pathologies have a systemic effect and almost always occur chronically. Identification of symptoms, analysis of causes and treatment of helminthic infestations in adult patients is carried out by gastroenterologists with the participation of therapists, infectious disease specialists and other specialists, as necessary.
About the disease
Currently, up to 70 varieties of helminths are found in our country. In total, there are up to 250 species of parasites known to science that cause helminthic infestations.
The mechanism of infection is simple: the eggs of the parasite enter the human body along with contaminated food or water, after which they settle in certain organs and begin to reproduce. In some cases, infection occurs through close contact of a healthy person with a carrier or through the use of another person's hygiene items or underwear. Certain types of parasites can enter the body along with inhaled air.
guys
Taking into account the characteristics of the infection, experts highlight:
- biohelminthiasis: an intermediate host is required for the development and transmission of the pathogen;
- soil-transmitted helminthiasis: there is no intermediate host, the maturation of eggs and/or larvae occurs in the soil;
- Contact helminth infections: the pathogen is transmitted directly from person to person.
In a broader sense, experts identify two main groups of parasites that most frequently infect the human body: roundworms or roundworms and flatworms, which include tapeworms and flukes.
Symptoms
In the clinical course of helminthiasis in adult patients, taking into account the signs, two main phases are distinguished:
- acute, lasting up to 2 months;
- chronic, lasting up to several years.
The different types of helminths affect different parts of the body:
- roundworms, bovine and porcine tapeworms, pinworms – large intestine;
- flukes – liver, bile ducts;
- echinococci, lung flukes – organs of the respiratory system;
- echinococci, alveococci, schistosomiasis: parts of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system;
- necadores, cestodosis – circulatory system;
- trichinella, filariae - organs of the lymphatic structure.
The main symptoms of helminthiasis in adults in the acute phase are:
- Muscle pain;
- increased body temperature;
- shaking chills;
- pain in the abdomen;
- flatulence and other dyspeptic phenomena;
- general deterioration in health;
- weakness;
- rapid fatigue;
- dry cough;
- dyspnoea;
- increased irritability.
Some patients note a pronounced decrease in appetite, others, on the contrary, complain of a constant feeling of hunger and sometimes a change in taste preferences.
The chronic form of helminthic infestation in adults is accompanied by signs of general intoxication of the body and specific symptoms that are determined by the location of the parasites. The most frequent are:
- constant abdominal pain, which worsens after eating or doing physical work;
- flatulence;
- swelling;
- intestinal disorder.
Associated symptoms include:
- constant fatigue;
- apathy;
- unmotivated weight loss;
- skin rash;
- skin itch;
- excessive irritability;
- outbreaks of appetite, alternating with complete indifference towards food.
An ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs reveals a clear enlargement of the liver and spleen. Laboratory blood tests can determine severe iron deficiency anemia and a lack of certain minerals in the body.
When intestinal parasites migrate to nearby organs and structures, women can develop vaginitis, vulvovaginitis, endometritis, salpingitis, and salpingo-oophoritis.
If the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are affected, the main signs of the disease will be:
- severe shortness of breath;
- frequent dry cough;
- feel tired, weak;
- arrhythmia.
If the organs of the lymphatic system are affected, enlargement of the lymph nodes and swelling of the genital and mammary glands may occur.
Causes
The main reason for the development of helminthiasis is the consumption of foods that contain larvae or eggs of parasites inside or on the surface:
- raw and undercooked beef, pork, chicken and other types of meat;
- fresh red fish;
- raw eggs;
- poorly washed fruits, vegetables, fruits and herbs.
Sometimes the infection occurs through drinking water that does not go through a filtration system, and through water contained in natural reservoirs and swimming pools.
Through contact, helminths can be transmitted through underwear and bedding, common objects (towels, plates, cutlery, door handles, etc. ), as well as through the use of other people's personal hygiene products.
Diagnosis
After a general examination, anamnesis and evaluation of the patient's complaints, the doctor sends the patient with suspected helminthic infestation for laboratory tests. These include:
- clinical blood test;
- stool analysis for worm eggs;
- ELISA or PCR according to indications;
- specific tests to evaluate liver function;
- scraping of enterobiasis;
- histology of various tissues and biological fluids.
It is mandatory to perform an ultrasound of the liver, spleen, kidneys and an X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, computer imaging or MRI, endoscopic techniques to examine different parts of the intestine, and other procedures may be used.
Expert opinion
The prevalence of helminthiasis in some regions of the country reaches 10%. This is due not only to the poor quality of food products, but also to non-compliance with basic safety standards. You should not eat raw meat and fish or buy products, especially ready-made and semi-finished dishes, from dubious outlets. It is necessary to wash your hands thoroughly with soap before eating, as well as fruits, vegetables and other fruits of nature, even if they are grown with your own hands in your garden. In the soil there may be contaminated feces, in which helminth eggs are perfectly preserved for a long time. If signs of illness or symptoms appear that may indicate helminthiasis, it is necessary to seek treatment from qualified specialists and in no case use traditional methods.
Treatment
In the vast majority of cases, hospitalization of patients is not required for adequate treatment. Treatment of helminthiasis in adults is carried out on an outpatient basis, under the supervision of a doctor and with periodic laboratory tests. In a hospital, only those who have developed a complication due to helminthic infestation or whose condition is aggravated by chronic systemic diseases undergo therapy.
The basis of treatment is anthelmintic drugs of various spectrums of action. The dosage, regimen and specific type of medication are selected only by the attending physician, based on data from laboratory tests, weight and age of the patient.
Additionally, the following may be assigned:
- detoxification measures;
- antipyretics;
- antiallergic and antipruritic drugs;
- diuretics for edema.
Patients are recommended to follow a light diet with limitation of heavy, fried, smoked and pickled foods, which can have an additional irritating effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
Prevention
As preventive measures, the following are recommended:
- control the quality of drinking water using boiled, carefully filtered or bottled water;
- do not eat raw meat or fish;
- buy food products at official points of sale;
- wash vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs before eating them;
- do not use other people's personal hygiene products;
- periodically carry out wet cleaning in areas where pets live;
- do not eat fruits from the garden without washing them;
- treat pets against parasites.
People who are constantly in contact with the earth, animals, who often go fishing and hunting, or who visit countries or regions with a low standard of living, need to take preventive medications twice a year for safety reasons. Your doctor will tell you how to do it correctly and what medications to use during a personal consultation.
Questions and answers
Is it possible to become infected with helminths through sexual contact?
Yes, if the partner is infected and does not take good care of their personal hygiene. This can also occur during anal sex.
What happens if helminthiasis is not treated?
Nothing good. The consequences of invasion can be severe chronic and acute diseases, such as pneumonia, liver abscesses and cirrhosis, ascites, hepatitis, as well as sepsis, peritonitis and many other dangerous diseases.
Is it possible to completely cure helminthiasis?
The prognosis for most helminthiasis is favorable. A worsening of the prognosis is observed with the development of complications. An unfavorable prognosis for cysticercosis of the central nervous system, eyes and echinococcosis, if surgical treatment is impossible.
Which doctor treats helminth infestations?
A gastroenterologist deals with diseases in this group. If the patient has chronic pathologies, a specialized specialist intervenes, for example, endocrinologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, etc. If necessary, a general practitioner and, in the treatment of children, a pediatrician are also involved.
What is fascioliasis?
This is a helminthic infestation caused by worms of the trematode genus. This helminth parasitizes the cells of the liver and hepatobiliary tract. How does a person become infected? Through contaminated water, as well as through the consumption of lettuce, parsley, etc. These plants can harbor parasite larvae. The disease occurs in 2 stages: acute and chronic. In the acute stage, there may be high fever, rash, allergic lung damage, enlarged liver and spleen, and increased levels of eosinophils in the blood. Symptoms of the chronic stage are determined by the involvement of the hepatobiliary tract in the pathological process.