Parasites are microorganisms that survive by feeding on the body of their host.When they settle in the human body they cause serious health problems and, as a consequence of their reproduction, they can cause death.
Parasitic organisms are usually classified into two types:
- Zooparasites, which include parasitic worms (helminths, flatworms), arachnids, mites, mollusks, etc.
- Plant parasites are parasitic plants, viruses, pathogenic fungi, etc.
Parasites also include some types of viruses that lead a parasitic lifestyle at the expense of another person's body.
Unfortunately, even modern society cannot completely protect itself from parasite infection, but if you test for parasites in time, you can prevent their reproduction and get rid of them without causing serious harm to your health.
Symptoms indicating the presence of parasites in the human body.
The penetration of parasites into the human body occurs through natural openings such as the mouth, genitals and anus.Less commonly, helminths enter through the skin, genitourinary system, or ears.
The causative agents of the disease can be transmitted through food and water (most helminths), through body contact with an infected person (pinworms), through soil, air or dust (intestinal worms).
Very often, invasive diseases are asymptomatic and do not manifest their presence in any way.But with excessive reproduction, signs of various diseases appear, which usually do not indicate the presence of parasites, which significantly complicates treatment due to the impossibility of making a correct diagnosis.
However, there are a number of signs that suggest the presence of parasites in the human body.
Among them:
- frequent headaches;
- regular joint pain;
- muscle pain without cause;
- frequent colds;
- allergic skin rashes;
- difficult bowel movements and constipation;
- grinding teeth during sleep;
- poor performance, constant fatigue;
- increased nervousness;
- insomnia;
- the appearance of cracks on the heels;
- difficulty breathing;
- disturbance of the gastrointestinal tract;
- sudden weight fluctuations;
- fragility of the nail plates;
- itching in the anus.
Tumor neoplasms
It must be taken into account that parasitic diseases can cause serious problems.For example, a large number of helminths can form a ball and cause intestinal obstruction.
Parasites can also cause chronic cell damage, cancer, anemia or jaundice.
Signs of parasites in children.
Symptoms that help identify the presence of parasitic organisms in a child:
- violation of the usual diet (lack of appetite, gluttony);
- increased body temperature;
- allergic rash;
- bad mood, weakness, nervousness;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- pale skin;
- intestinal dysfunction (diarrhea with mucus or constipation);
- nausea and vomiting mainly in the first half of the day.
Most parasites cannot leave the human body on their own.Therefore, if at least one of the above symptoms appears, it is necessary to contact your local doctor or pediatrician, get tested for parasites and undergo helminth treatment.
Diagnosis of invasive diseases.
Diagnosis of invasive diseases involves the detection of parasites (pinworms, amoebas) and their reproductive products (larvae, eggs).A blood test, a stool test, a tissue scraping or a sputum sample are preliminarily prescribed.To examine the samples, do the following:
- histological studies;
- immunological studies;
- blood macroscopy;
- Vegetoresonance tests.
Tests for the presence of parasites in children.
Before visiting a specialist, parents often wonder what tests should be done to identify parasites in their child and which method will give a more accurate result.Analysis for invasive diseases in children is prescribed depending on the location and type of parasites.
Most frequently prescribed:
- blood analysis using the ELISA method;
- serological study;
- scrape or smear using the PCR method;
- blood tests for adults and children.
A blood test is the most effective type of research and allows you to determine the exact picture of the disease, the type of helminth and the ability to reproduce.It allows determining the presence of ascariasis, toxoplasma, cysticercosis, amoebas and lichens.
One such type of study is a blood test using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which makes it possible to evaluate the content of certain antibodies in plasma, makes it possible to determine the stage of infection, examines the body's immune response to the effects of helminths, and makes it possible to identify specific elements in the blood.
Advantages of ELISA research:
- accuracy of the result regardless of the qualifications and experience of the laboratory assistant;
- high analysis sensitivity, up to 90% accuracy;
- allows you to show a complete picture of the disease and the number of parasites;
- parasites are diagnosed at an early stage of development;
- the ability to follow the dynamics of the disease;
- determination of the presence of toxic products in the blood.
When interpreting the result, the color of the reagent and the intensity of the sample tone are taken into account.The ratio of antibodies to parasite antigens is measured by the level of IgM and IgG markers in the blood.High concentrations of IgM and IgG are maintained throughout the entire period of helminth presence.
If a blood test shows a high level of IgM, then the disease is acute.IgG antibodies indicate a chronic form of the disease.
Disadvantages of a blood test to diagnose parasitic diseases:
- the result of a blood test using the ELISA method is obtained within 7 days, while scrapings, smears and stool samples are obtained after 1-2 days;
- The research must be carried out in a special paid laboratory.
It is recommended to donate blood on an empty stomach, mainly in the first half of the day;It is advisable to avoid taking medications between 12 and 15 hours before blood collection.Parents are advised to prepare their children in advance.
stool analysis
Microscopic analysis of feces may be necessary for preliminary determination of helminths in the traditional way.The study determines the presence of parasite eggs in a fragment of feces.
The most accurate result is the one shown in 3 tests in one week.
To obtain a more accurate result, a fragment of feces should be sent to a laboratory for examination no later than 45 minutes after defecation.
During the study, parasites such as:
- had;
- topics;
- intestinal worms.
This type of diagnosis, although quite simple, cannot claim 100% accuracy of the results.This is due to the fact that parasites living in the human body may not lay eggs for a long period of time.