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, ringed and other worms. Such pathologies have a systemic effect and almost always occur chronically. Identification of symptoms, analysis of causes and treatment of helminthic infestations in adult patients are 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 helminth infestations.
The infection mechanism is simple: parasite eggs 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 are able to enter the body along with inhaled air.
Types
Taking into account the characteristics of the infection, experts highlight:
- biohelminthiasis: an intermediate host is necessary for the development and transmission of the pathogen;
- geohelminthiases: 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 nematodes and flatworms, which include tapeworms and tapeworms.
Symptoms
In the clinical course of helminthiasis in adult patients, taking into account the signs, two main phases are distinguished:
- acute, which lasts up to 2 months;
- chronic, lasting several years.
Different types of helminths affect different parts of the body:
- roundworms, bovine and porcine tapeworms, pinworms – large intestine;
- trematodes – liver, bile ducts;
- echinococci, lungworms – organs of the respiratory system;
- echinococci, alveococci, schistosomiasis - parts of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system;
- necadores, cestodoses – circulatory system;
- trichinella, filaria - organs of the lymphatic structure.
The main symptoms of helminthiasis in adults in the acute phase are:
- muscle pain;
- increased body temperature;
- chills;
- pain in the abdomen;
- flatulence and other dyspeptic phenomena;
- general deterioration in health;
- weakness;
- rapid fatigue;
- dry cough;
- dyspnea;
- increased irritability.
Some patients note a pronounced decrease in appetite, others, on the contrary, complain of a constant feeling of hunger, 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. Most often they are:
- constant abdominal pain, worsening after eating or physical work;
- flatulence;
- swelling;
- intestinal disorder.
Associated symptoms include:
- constant fatigue;
- apathy;
- unmotivated weight loss;
- skin rashes;
- itchy skin;
- excessive irritability;
- outbreaks of appetite, alternating with complete indifference to food.
An ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs reveals a distinct enlargement of the liver and spleen. Using laboratory blood tests, severe iron deficiency anemia and a lack of certain minerals in the body can be determined.
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, enlarged 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 parasite larvae or eggs inside or on the surface:
- beef, pork, chicken and other types of raw and undercooked meat;
- fresh red fish;
- raw eggs;
- poorly washed fruits, vegetables, fruits and herbs.
Sometimes, infection occurs through drinking water that does not go through a filtration system and through water contained in natural reservoirs and swimming pools.
By contact, helminths can be transmitted through underwear and bedding, common items (towels, dishes, cutlery, door handles, etc. ), as well as through the use of other people's personal hygiene products.
Diagnosis
After a general examination, collection of anamnesis and assessment of the patient's complaints, the doctor refers the patient with suspected helminthic infestation for laboratory tests. These include:
- clinical blood test;
- analysis of feces for worm eggs;
- ELISA or PCR as indicated;
- specific tests to assess liver function;
- scraping for enterobiasis;
- histology of various tissues and biological fluids.
An ultrasound examination of the liver, spleen, kidneys, as well as an x-ray of the gastrointestinal tract is mandatory. Additionally, magnetic or computerized resonance imaging, endoscopic techniques to examine different parts of the intestine, and other procedures may be used.
Opinion of an 'expert
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 rules. You should not eat raw meat and fish, nor buy products, especially semi-finished and ready-made meals, in dubious outlets. It is necessary to wash your hands thoroughly with soap before eating, as well as fruits, vegetables and other natural fruits, even if they are grown with your own hands in your garden. There may be contaminated feces in the soil, 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 necessary for adequate therapy. Treatment of helminthiasis in adults is carried out on an outpatient basis, under the supervision of a doctor and with regular laboratory tests. In a hospital environment, only those who have developed a complication due to helminthic infestation or whose condition is aggravated by chronic systemic diseases are subjected to therapy.
The basis of treatment are anthelmintic drugs of various spectrum 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 medications;
- diuretics for edema.
Patients are advised to follow a bland diet with a limit on heavy, fried, smoked and pickled foods, which can have an additional irritating effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
Prevention
The following are recommended as preventive measures:
- control the quality of drinking water using boiled, carefully filtered or bottled water;
- do not eat raw meat and fish;
- buy food products at official points of sale;
- wash vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs before eating;
- do not use other people's personal hygiene products;
- regularly 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 in constant contact with the land, with animals, who often fish and hunt, 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 this correctly and which 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 personal hygiene. This can also happen during anal sex.
What happens if helminthiasis is not treated?
Not good. The consequences of the invasion can be serious chronic and acute diseases, including pneumonia, liver abscess and cirrhosis, ascites, hepatitis, as well as sepsis, peritonitis and a number of other dangerous conditions.
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. Unfavorable prognosis for cysticercosis of the central nervous system, eyes, as well as for echinococcosis, if surgical treatment is impossible.
Which doctor treats helminthic infestations?
A gastroenterologist treats diseases in this group. If the patient has chronic pathologies, a specialized specialist is involved, for example, an endocrinologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, etc. If necessary, a general practitioner is also involved and, when treating children, a pediatrician.
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 get infected? Through infected water, as well as through the consumption of lettuce, parsley, etc. These plants can harbor parasite larvae. The disease occurs in 2 phases - acute and chronic. In the acute phase, there may be high fever, rash, allergic damage to the lungs, enlarged liver and spleen, and increased levels of eosinophils in the blood. The symptoms of the chronic phase are determined by the involvement of the hepatobiliary tract in the pathological process.