Parasites are microorganisms that survive by feeding on their host organism. Living in the human body, they cause serious health problems and, as a result of their reproduction, can be fatal.
Parasitic organisms are generally classified into two types:
- Zooparasites, which include parasitic worms (helminths, flatworms), arachnids, ticks, molluscs, etc.
- Phytoparasites are parasitic plants, viruses, pathogenic fungi, etc.
In addition, some types of virus, leading a parasitic lifestyle at the expense of a foreign organism, can be classified as parasites.
Unfortunately, even modern society is not able to fully protect itself against parasite infection, but if you do a parasite analysis in time, you can prevent it from reproducing and get rid of it without serious damage to health.
Symptoms that indicate the presence of parasites in the human body
The parasites penetrate the human body through natural openings, such as the mouth, genitals and anus. Less frequently, helminths penetrate through the skin, genitourinary system or ears.
The causative agents of the disease can be transmitted with food and water (most helminths), by body contact with an infected person (moths), by soil, by air or dust (roundworm).
Most of the time, invasive diseases are asymptomatic, not showing their presence to me at all. However, with excessive reproduction, signs of various diseases appear, which generally do not indicate the presence of parasites, which significantly hinders treatment due to the impossibility of making the correct diagnosis.
However, there are several signs by which parasites can be assumed to be present in the human body.
Among them:
- frequent headaches;
- regular joint pain;
- irrational muscle pain;
- frequent colds;
- allergic skin rashes;
- difficult bowel movements and constipation;
- teeth grinding while sleeping;
- low efficiency, constant fatigue;
- increased nervousness;
- insomnia;
- cracked heels;
- shortness of breath;
- digestive tract disorder;
- sudden fluctuations in weight;
- fragility of the 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 coalesce and cause intestinal obstruction.
Parasites can also cause chronic cell damage, cancer, anemia or jaundice.
Signs of parasites in children
Symptoms to 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;
- pallor of the skin;
- intestinal problems (diarrhea with mucus or constipation);
- nausea and vomiting, especially in the morning.
Most parasites cannot leave the human body on their own. Therefore, if at least one of the above symptoms manifests, it is imperative to contact a local therapist or pediatrician, test for parasites and undergo treatment for worms.
Diagnosis of invasive diseases
The diagnosis of invasive diseases involves the detection of parasites (worms, amoebas) and their reproductive products (larvae, eggs). A blood test, stool, tissue scraping or sputum test is pre-designated. To study the samples, perform:
- histological exams;
- immunological studies;
- blood macroscopy;
- vegetative resonance tests.
Tests for the presence of parasites in children
Before visiting a specialist, parents often ask themselves which tests need to be done to identify parasites in a child and which method will give the most accurate result. An analysis of invasive diseases in children is prescribed based on the location and type of parasites.
Most often assigned:
- ELISA blood test; serological test
- ;
- scraping or smearing by the PCR method;
- blood test in adults and children.
A blood test is the most effective type of research and allows you to determine the exact image of the disease, the type of helminths, as well as the ability to reproduce. It allows to determine the presence of ascariasis, toxoplasma, cysticercosis, amoebas and lichen.
One type of study is an ELISA blood test, which allows you to evaluate the content of certain antibodies in the plasma, allows you to determine the stage of infection, study the body's immune response to the effects of helminths and allows you to identify specific elements in the blood.
Pros of ELISA research:
- the accuracy of the result, regardless of the qualification 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;
- determination of the presence of toxic products in the blood.
When interpreting the result, the color of the reagent and the intensity of the shade 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. A high concentration of IgM and IgG is maintained throughout the period of helminth presence.
If the blood test shows a high level of IgM, the disease is acute. IgG antibodies speak of a chronic form of the disease.
Cons of blood tests for the diagnosis of parasitic diseases:
- The results of the
- blood test by ELISA are obtained in 7 days, while the scraping, smear and feces 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, and it is advisable to discard the medication 12-15 hours before blood collection. Parents are advised to prepare their children in advance.
Stool analysis
Microscopic analysis of feces may be necessary for the preliminary determination of helminths in the traditional way. During the study, the presence of parasite eggs in a fragment of feces is determined.
The most accurate result is that shown in 3 tests during the week.
For a more accurate result, a fragment of feces must be sent for examination in a laboratory within 45 minutes after evacuation.
During the study, parasites such as:
- tapeworm;
- topics;
- round helminths.
This type of diagnosis, being quite easy, cannot be 100% accurate. This is due to the fact that parasites that live in the human body may not lay eggs for a long time.