Helminthic infestation is a disease caused by the parasitism of lower worms in the human body.There are 3 types of helminths: roundworms, tapeworms and tapeworms.More than 200 types of helminthiasis can occur in humans, but in our country only 10% of diseases are parasitic.The prevalence of worms is influenced by the country's climatic and economic conditions.People suffer from helminthic infestations much less frequently in developed countries than in third world countries.
Depending on the nature of the infection, helminthiasis is divided into 3 types:
- biohelminthiasis (people are infected by domestic animals);
- geohelminthiases (parasite penetration into the body through contaminated soil);
- contagious (infection through contact with another person).
Symptoms of the presence of parasites in the body will depend on the type of worms, their number in the body and the stage of the life cycle.The most dangerous consequences are caused by parasitism of larval forms of worms.Although a sexually mature individual usually exists only in the intestines, the larva migrates throughout the body, causing pathological changes in the organs.Each type of parasite has its own habitat in the intestine.For example, roundworms are usually located in the small intestine, pinworms - in the large intestine.Helminth infections are divided into luminal (the worms remain in the intestinal cavity) and tissue (the parasite penetrates deeply into the tissues).Some types of parasitic infections at different stages can occur in luminal and tissue forms.
Signs
Helminthiasis occurs in 2 stages: acute and chronic.The first begins immediately after the penetration of worm eggs into the body and manifests itself in the form of allergic reactions.Chronic helminthiases are characterized by a wide variety of symptoms.Symptoms depend on where the worms live, their number and lifestyle.By consuming some of the nutrients, the worms engage in metabolic processes, which are manifested by a deficiency of vitamins and microelements and digestive disorders.Worm waste not only disrupts the natural intestinal microflora, but also suppresses the immune system, which creates ideal conditions for the proliferation of bacteria, fungi and viruses.The risk of developing malignant tumors increases.
The first signs of helminth infestation may appear a few days after the eggs or larvae enter the body.Immediately after infection, a rash appears, lymph nodes, liver and spleen enlarge.Some helminthiases present characteristic symptoms.For example, when infected with opisthorchiasis, obstructive jaundice develops.In the presence of isolated individuals, the chronic phase of helminthiasis may go unnoticed.The exception is parasitism in the body of large worms.
With powerful helminth infestations, indigestion, severe pain and symptoms characteristic of a specific type of parasite occur.For example, with worms, children have itching in the anus, which becomes stronger at night.Trichuriasis causes hemorrhagic colitis, hookworm causes iron deficiency anemia.Roundworms often obstruct the intestinal lumen and bile ducts.Particularly dangerous are parasites that can lead to the formation of cysts - echinococci, alveococci.Even small cysts can cause suppuration, peritonitis and sepsis.Often, helminthic infestations are accompanied by neurotic symptoms.
Species
Enterobiasis occurs when parasitized by pinworms - small, light-colored worms.The parasite enters the body by eating unwashed fruits and vegetables, interacting with pets, and not following hygiene rules.The long course of enterobiasis is explained by the possibility of self-infection.The parasite's life cycle occurs in the intestine, where in 14 days it changes from larva to adult.Even at the larval stage of development, the helminth can cause significant harm to the body.Enzymes secreted by larvae influence the development of inflammatory bowel diseases.Adults damage its walls, causing hemorrhages and facilitating the appearance of bacterial infections.
This helminth infestation has a specific symptom - itching in the anal region, especially in the afternoon and at night.This is when the female comes out and lays her eggs.Itching leads to scratching, which is where bacteria enters.It is the addition of the infection that explains the discomfort that does not go away after getting rid of the worms.Enterobiasis in children can lead to delayed physical and mental development.
Ascariasis is characterized by parasitism in the body of ascaris - long round worms of red-yellow color.The life cycle of a helminth begins with the eggs entering the intestine, where they become larvae.Worm larvae migrate throughout the body, damaging tissues.At the end of the larval stage, the parasite penetrates the lungs, from where it returns to the gastrointestinal tract with sputum.The danger of the intestinal phase of the disease is associated with the ability of roundworms to penetrate narrow openings, causing obstructive jaundice.The main symptoms of this type of helminth infestation are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and signs of body intoxication.Roundworms produce powerful allergens that lead to serious reactions in the body.
Manifestations of helminthic infestation are often confused with signs of pneumonia, bronchitis and cholelithiasis.A ball of worms can cause obstruction and rupture of the intestines.The penetration of worms into the respiratory system can lead to suffocation.Trichocephalosis is a helminthic infestation caused by whipworms, small clay roundworms with a long head part of the body.Transmission occurs through contaminated food, dirty hands and household utensils.Main signs of invasion:
- stomach pain;
- decreased appetite;
- diarrhea;
- anemia.
The broad tapeworm is a ribbon parasite that can grow up to 20 m.Helminthiasis caused by this type of worm is called diphyllobothriasis.The life cycle of the broad tapeworm is characterized by a change of hosts.A person becomes infected by eating raw fish and caviar.The larva attaches itself to the intestinal wall, where it becomes an adult.The helminth is able to reproduce 3-4 weeks after the start of the intestinal phase.Signs of diphyllobothriasis:
- indigestion;
- iron deficiency anemia.
Hookworm is a disease caused by large roundworms.People become infected when they come into contact with contaminated soil;the larvae are able to overcome the skin barrier and penetrate the circulatory system.Thus, they are distributed throughout all organs and systems.In the intestines, the helminth attaches to the walls and begins to suck blood.The symptoms of this disease in the larval stage are similar to the symptoms of ascariasis.In the intestinal phase of helminthic infestation, there is a decrease in the level of proteins in the blood and anemia.
Opisthorchiasis is a helminthiasis caused by the cat worm.The worm's life cycle begins in water, the larval stage takes place in the snail's body.The larvae then hatch in the water and penetrate the bodies of freshwater fish.Infection is promoted by eating raw fish dishes.The adult parasitizes in the human gallbladder, where it is held in place by suction cups.The acute form of opisthorchiasis is manifested by pain in the epigastric region, high body temperature, joint and muscle pain, and an allergic skin rash.The chronic form leads to the development of hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.Even after expulsion of the parasites, pathological changes remain in the liver.
Echinococcus lives in the human orgasm in an intermediate phase of its life cycle.This is a short tapeworm.The following reasons contribute to human infection:
- contact with sick pets;
- non-compliance with personal hygiene rules
- use of contaminated household items.
The parasite is often found in dogs, wolves and cats.After the worm eggs enter the body, they produce oncospheres - intermediate forms.From the digestive system they penetrate the circulatory system, from where they are transported through the bloodstream to all organs.Once in the tissue, the oncosphere becomes a fin - a cavity surrounded by two shells.Finna, growing, leads to the appearance of a cyst.Symptoms of the disease depend on the size of the tumor.In addition to tissue destruction, echinococci can cause suppuration and poisoning of the body when the cyst ruptures.
Complications of any helminthic infestation are associated with the impact of worms on tissues, the destruction of which can lead to organ dysfunction.Often, helminthiasis is complicated by the addition of a bacterial infection.The appearance of the parasite, when leaving the body, can lead the person to psychological trauma that requires long-term treatment.
Detection methods
Due to the large number of signs inherent in helminthic infestations, determining the possible route of infection through interviewing the patient plays an important role.To detect eggs or body parts of the parasite, feces, bile and sputum are examined.When performing a general blood test, a significant increase in the number of eosinophils may indicate the presence of parasites.In some cases, immunological tests that can detect specific antibodies are necessary.Additional methods for diagnosing human parasites are:
- computed tomography;
- Ultrasound;
- X-ray examination.
Disposal Methods
The basis for treating helminth infestation in adults and children is the use of anthelmintics.
To treat ascariasis and enterobiasis, highly effective drugs against tapeworms are most often used.Most often, 1 tablet is enough to get rid of parasites, but sometimes treatment is carried out according to a scheme that involves repeating the medication after a certain interval.Echinococcosis is usually treated surgically, after which medications are prescribed that restore the functions of the affected organs.
For some parasites, joint treatment of all family members is recommended.An integral part of the therapeutic course is compliance with hygiene rules.To eliminate the symptoms of the disease, antihistamines and probiotics may be prescribed.
Prevention
You can protect yourself from parasitic infection by following the rules of personal hygiene and heat treatment of food.Soil treatment is recommended to help reduce the number of helminth eggs.Timely examination and treatment of domestic dogs and cats will help prevent the occurrence of helminthiasis in children.The risk of contracting parasitic diseases increases many times during contact with stray animals and those carrying various types of parasites.
It is mandatory to wash vegetables, fruits and herbs, as parasite eggs can enter the body with particles of earth remaining on them.You should avoid eating raw, salted or dried river fish.Meat must be purchased from a trusted seller who can provide quality certificates.