Helminthic infection is a disease caused by the parasitism of lower worms in the human body.There are 3 types of helminths: roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms.More than 200 types of helminthiasis can appear in humans, but in our country only 10 of the diseases are parasitic.The prevalence of worms is influenced by the atmospheric and economic conditions of the country.People suffer from helminthic infections much less often in developed countries than in third world countries.
Depending on the nature of the infection, helminthiases are divided into 3 types:
- biohelminthiases (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 the parasitism of the larval forms of the worms.While a sexually mature individual usually exists only in the intestines, the larva migrates throughout the body, causing pathological changes in organs.Each type of parasite has its own habitat in the intestines.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 deep into the tissues).Some types of parasitic infections in different stages can occur in both luminal and tissue form.
The signs
Helminthiasis appears 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 are involved in metabolic processes, which is manifested by a lack 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 infection may appear a few days after the eggs or larvae enter the body.Immediately after infection, a skin rash appears, the lymph nodes, liver and spleen enlarge.Some helminthiasis have characteristic symptoms.For example, when infected with opisthorchiasis, obstructive jaundice develops.In the presence of single individuals, the chronic phase of helminthiasis can continue unnoticed.The exception is parasitism in the body of large worms.
With strong helminthic infections, indigestion, severe pain and symptoms characteristic of a certain type of parasite appear.For example, with worms, children experience itching in the anus, which becomes stronger in the evening.Trichuriasis causes hemorrhagic colitis, pinworm causes iron deficiency anemia.Roundworms often block 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 strangulation, peritonitis and sepsis.Helminthic infections are often accompanied by neurotic symptoms.
The types
Enterobiasis occurs when parasitized by hookworms - small, light-colored worms.The parasite enters the body by eating dirty vegetables and fruits, interacting with pets and not following hygiene rules.The long course of enterobiasis is explained by the possibility of self-infection.The life cycle of the parasite takes place in the intestine, where in 14 days it grows from a larva to an adult.Even in the larval stage of development, helminths can cause significant damage to the body.The enzymes secreted by the larvae influence the development of inflammatory bowel diseases.Adults damage its walls, causing bleeding and facilitating the growth of bacterial infections.
This helminthic infection has a specific symptom - itching in the anal area, mainly in the evening and at night.It is at this time that the female comes out and lays eggs.Itching leads to scratching, through which bacteria enter.It is the addition of infection that explains the discomfort that does not go away after the worms are removed.Enterobiasis in children can lead to delay in physical and mental development.
Ascariasis is characterized by parasitism in the body of ascaris - long round red-yellow worms.The life cycle of the helminth begins with the eggs entering the intestines, 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 risk of the intestinal phase of the disease is related to the ability of roundworms to penetrate narrow openings, causing obstructive jaundice.The main symptoms of this type of helminth infection are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and signs of body intoxication.Roundworms produce powerful allergens that lead to severe reactions in the body.
Manifestations of helminthic infection are often confused with signs of pneumonia, bronchitis and cholelithiasis.A ball of worms can cause intestinal blockage and rupture.The penetration of worms into the respiratory system can lead to suffocation.Trichocephalosis is a helminthic infection caused by whipworms, small earthworms with a long head.Transmission occurs through contaminated food, dirty hands and household items.Main signs of invasion:
- abdominal pain;
- decreased appetite;
- diarrhea;
- anemia.
The broad tapeworm is a tapeworm 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 is attached 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 by contact with contaminated soil;the larvae are able to overcome the skin barrier and penetrate the circulatory system.Thus, they are distributed in all organs and systems.In the intestines, the helminth sticks 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 infection, a decrease in the level of proteins in the blood and anemia is observed.
Opisthorchiasis is a helminthiasis caused by cat bites.The life cycle of the snail begins in water, the larval stage develops in the body of the snail.The larva then emerges into the water and penetrates the body of the freshwater fish.Infection is triggered by eating raw fish dishes.The adult parasitizes the human gall bladder, where it is held in place by suckers.The acute form of opisthorchiasis is manifested by pain in the epigastric region, high body temperature, joint and muscle pain and an allergic rash.The chronic form leads to the development of hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.Even after the removal of parasites, pathological changes remain in the liver.
Echinococcus lives in the human orgasm at an intermediate stage of its life cycle.This is a short tapeworm.The following causes contribute to human infection:
- contact with sick pets;
- non-compliance with personal hygiene rules
- using contaminated household items.
The parasite is often found in dogs, wolves and cats.Once the eggs of the worms enter the body, they produce oncospheres - intermediate forms.From the digestive system they penetrate into the blood circulation system, from where they are carried through the blood circulation 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 suffocation and poisoning of the body when the cyst ruptures.
Complications of any helminthic infection are associated with the impact of worms on tissues, the destruction of which can lead to organ dysfunction.Often helminthiases are complicated by the addition of a bacterial infection.The appearance of the parasite, when it leaves the body, can lead a person to psychological trauma that requires long-term treatment.
Discovery methods
Due to the large number of signs inherent in helminthic infections, determining the possible route of infection by interviewing the patient plays an important role.To detect eggs or body parts of the parasite, stool, bile and saliva are examined.When performing a general blood test, a significant increase in the number of eosinophils can indicate the presence of parasites.In some cases, immunological tests that can detect specific antibodies are required.Additional methods for diagnosing human parasites are:
- computed tomography;
- Ultrasound;
- X-ray examination.
Disposal methods
The basis for the treatment of helminthic infection in adults and children is the use of anthelmintic drugs.
For the treatment of ascariasis and enterobiasis, drugs that are very effective against tapeworms are most often used.Most often, 1 tablet is enough to get rid of parasites, but sometimes the treatment is carried out according to a scheme that includes repeating the medication after a certain break.Echinococcosis is usually treated surgically, after which drugs 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 can be prescribed.
Preventing
You can protect yourself from parasite 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 cats and dogs will help to avoid the occurrence of helminthiasis in children.The risk of contracting parasitic diseases increases many times during contact with stray animals that are carriers of certain types of parasites.
Washing vegetables, fruits and herbs is mandatory, as parasite eggs can enter the body with the soil particles that remain on them.You should avoid eating raw, salted or dried river fish.Meat should be purchased from a trusted seller who can provide quality certificates.