Parasites are microorganisms that survive by feeding on the host's body.When installed in the human body, they cause serious health problems and, as a result of their reproduction, can lead to death.
Parasitic organisms are generally classified into two types:
- Zooparasites, which include parasitic worms (helminths, flatworms), arachnids, mites, molluscs, 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 is not able to 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 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 disease-causing agents can be transmitted through food and water (most helminths), through bodily contact with an infected person (pinworms), through soil, air or dust (roundworms).
Most of the time, invasive diseases are asymptomatic and do not manifest their presence in any way.But with excessive reproduction, signs of various diseases appear, which generally do not indicate the presence of parasites, which makes treatment significantly difficult due to the impossibility of making a correct diagnosis.
However, there are several signs that suggest that parasites are present in the human body.
Among them:
- frequent headaches;
- regular joint pain;
- causeless muscle pain;
- 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 in the heels;
- difficulty breathing;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- sudden weight fluctuations;
- fragility of 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 skin 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 treatment for helminths.
Diagnosis of invasive diseases
Diagnosis of invasive diseases involves the detection of parasites (pinworms, amoebas) and their reproductive products (larvae, eggs).A blood test, stool test, tissue scraping or sputum sample is preliminarily prescribed.To examine samples, the following is performed:
- 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 need to 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 based on the location and type of parasites.
Most often prescribed:
- blood test using the ELISA method;
- serological study;
- scraping or smear using the PCR method;
- blood test 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, as well as the ability to reproduce.Allows you to determine the presence of ascariasis, toxoplasma, cysticercosis, amoebas and lichens.
One type of study is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) blood test, which makes it possible to assess the content of certain antibodies in plasma, allows you to determine the stage of infection, examine the body's immune response to the effects of helminths and allows you 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, accuracy up to 90%;
- 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 monitor disease dynamics;
- 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 remain throughout the entire period of helminth presence.
If a blood test shows an elevated IgM level, 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 laboratory for a fee.
It is recommended to donate blood on an empty stomach, especially in the first half of the day;It is advisable to avoid taking medication 12 to 15 hours before blood sampling.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 must be submitted to a laboratory for examination no later than 45 minutes after defecation.
During the study, parasites such as:
- tapeworm;
- themes;
- roundworms.
This type of diagnosis, although quite easy, cannot claim 100% accuracy of results.This is due to the fact that parasites living in the human body may not lay eggs for a long period of time.