Parasites are microorganisms that survive by feeding on the host's body.When placed in the human body, they cause serious health problems and, as a result of their reproduction, can lead to death.
Parasitic organisms are usually divided 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 someone else's body.
Unfortunately, even modern society is not able to fully protect itself from infection by parasites, but if you test for parasites in time, you can avoid their reproduction and get rid of them without serious damage to your health.
Symptoms that indicate 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 physical contact with an infected person (legworms), through soil, air or dust (roundworms).
Most often, invasive diseases are asymptomatic and do not show 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 an accurate diagnosis.
However, there are a number of signs that suggest that parasites are present in the human body.
Among them:
- frequent headaches;
- regular joint pain;
- muscle pain without cause;
- frequent colds;
- allergic skin rash;
- difficult bowel movements and constipation;
- teeth grinding during sleep;
- low performance, constant fatigue;
- increased nervousness;
- insomnia;
- the appearance of cracks on the heels;
- difficulty in breathing;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- sudden weight fluctuations;
- fragility of nail plates;
- itching in the anus.
Tumor neoplasms
It should be borne in mind 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);
- increase in body temperature;
- allergic rash;
- mood, weakness, nervousness;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- pale skin;
- bowel dysfunction (diarrhea with mucus or constipation);
- nausea and vomiting mainly in the first half of the day.
Most parasites are not able to 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, take a test for parasites and undergo a course of treatment for helminths.
Diagnosis of invasive diseases
The diagnosis of invasive diseases includes the detection of parasites (worms, amoebae) and their reproductive products (larvae, eggs).A blood test, stool test, tissue scraping or saliva sample is prescribed beforehand.To examine the samples, it is carried out as follows:
- histological studies;
- immunological studies;
- blood macroscopy;
- Vegetation resonance tests.
Tests for the presence of parasites in children
Before visiting a specialist, parents often ask 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 described based on the location and type of parasites.
Most often prescribed:
- blood analysis using the ELISA method;
- serological study;
- scraping or staining 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 appearance of the disease, the type of helminth, as well as the ability to reproduce.It allows you to determine the presence of ascariasis, toxoplasma, cysticercosis, amoeba and lichen.
One type of such a study is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which allows you to assess the content of certain antibodies in plasma, makes it possible 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:
- the 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 monitor the dynamics of the disease;
- determining the presence of toxic products in the blood.
When interpreting the result, the color of the reagent and the intensity of the shadow of the sample 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 period of presence of helminths.
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 itching, spotting 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, mainly in the first half of the day;it is advisable to avoid taking medications 12-15 hours before blood collection.Parents are advised to prepare their child in advance.
Stool analysis
Microscopic analysis of feces may be required for the preliminary determination of helminths in the traditional way.The study determines the presence of parasite eggs in a fragment of stool.
The most accurate result is the one shown in 3 tests within a week.
For the most accurate result, a fragment of stool should be submitted to the laboratory for examination no later than 45 minutes after defecation.
During the study, parasites such as:
- tapeworm;
- topic;
- roundworms.
This type of diagnosis, although quite easy, 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.