Helminth infestation is a disease caused by parasitism of lower worms in the human body.There are 3 types of helminths: roundworms, tapeworms and trematodes.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 weather and economic conditions of the country.People suffer from helminth infestations much less often in developed countries than in third world countries.
Depending on the nature of the infection, helminthiases are divided into 3 types:
- biohelminthiasis (people get infected from pets);
- geohelminthiasis (penetration of the parasite into the body through contaminated soil);
- contagious (infection through contact with another person).
The 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 worms.While a sexually mature individual usually exists only in the intestine, 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 found in the small intestine, pinworms in the large intestine.Helminth infections are divided into luminal (worms remain in the intestinal cavity) and tissue (the parasite penetrates deep into the tissues).Some types of parasitic infections at different stages can occur in both luminal and tissue forms.
Signs
Helminthiasis occurs in 2 phases: acute and chronic.The first begins immediately after the penetration of the 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 certain nutrients, worms become involved in metabolic processes, which is manifested by a deficiency of vitamins and microelements and digestive disorders.Worm waste products not only disrupt the natural intestinal microflora, but also suppress the immune system, creating ideal conditions for bacteria, fungi and viruses to thrive.Increases the risk of developing malignant tumors.
The first signs of helminth infestation may appear a few days after the eggs or larvae enter the body.Immediately after the infection a rash appears, the lymph nodes, liver and spleen become enlarged.Some helminthiases have characteristic symptoms.For example, if infected with opisthorchiasis, obstructive jaundice develops.In the presence of individual 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 particular type of parasite occur.For example, with pinworms, children experience itching in the anus, which becomes stronger in the evening.Trichoriasis causes hemorrhagic colitis, hookworm 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 the smallest cysts can cause suppuration, peritonitis and sepsis.Helminth infestations are often accompanied by neurotic symptoms.
Species
Enterobiasis occurs when it is parasitized by pinworms, small light-colored worms.The parasite enters the body by eating dirty fruits and vegetables, interacting with pets and not following hygiene rules.The long course of enterobiasis is explained by the possibility of autoinfection.The life cycle of the parasite takes place in the intestine, where in 14 days it passes from larva to adult.Even in the larval stage of development, helminth can cause significant harm to the body.Enzymes secreted by the larvae influence the development of inflammatory intestinal diseases.Adults damage its walls, causing bleeding and facilitating the establishment of bacterial infections.
This helminth infestation has a specific symptom: itching in the anal area, especially in the evening and at night.It is during this period that the female comes out and lays her eggs.Itching leads to scratching, through which bacteria enter.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 a delay in physical and mental development.
Ascariasis is characterized by parasitism in the body of ascarids - long round worms of red-yellow color.The life cycle of the helminth begins with the entry of the eggs into the intestine, where they become larvae.Worm larvae migrate throughout the body, damaging tissue.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 intoxication of the body.Roundworms produce powerful allergens that lead to serious reactions in the body.
Manifestations of helminth infestation are often confused with signs of pneumonia, bronchitis and cholelithiasis.A ball of worms can cause blockage and rupture of the intestine.The penetration of worms into the respiratory system can lead to suffocation.Whipworm is a helminth infestation caused by whipworms, small clay nematodes with a long body part on the head.Transmission occurs through contaminated food, dirty hands and household objects.Main signs of invasion:
- stomach pain;
- decreased appetite;
- diarrhea;
- anemia.
The broad tapeworm is a tape parasite that can grow up to 20 m.Helminthiasis caused by this type of worm is called diphyllobothriasis.The life cycle of the large 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 onset of the intestinal stage.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.Therefore, they are distributed throughout all organs and systems.In the intestine, 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 helminth infestation, a decrease in the level of proteins in the blood and anemia are observed.
Opisthorchiasis is a helminthiasis caused by the cat fluke.The life cycle of the fluke begins in the water, the larval stage occurs in the snail's body.The larva then hatches in the water and enters the body of freshwater fish.The infection is promoted by eating raw fish dishes.The adult parasites in the human gallbladder, where it is retained by suckers.The acute form of opisthorchiasis is manifested by pain in the epigastric region, elevated body temperature, joint and muscle pain, and allergic rash.The chronic form leads to the development of hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.Even after the 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;
- failure to comply with personal hygiene rules
- use of contaminated household items.
The parasite is often found in dogs, wolves and cats.After the worm's eggs enter the body, they produce oncospheres, intermediate forms.From the digestive system they penetrate into 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.The 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 helminth infestation are associated with the impact of worms on the tissues, the destruction of which can lead to organ dysfunction.Helminthiasis are often 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.
Detection methods
Due to the large number of signs inherent in helminth infestations, determining the possible route of infection plays an important role by interviewing the patient.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 detect specific antibodies are needed.Additional methods for diagnosing human parasites are:
- computed tomography;
- Ultrasound;
- Radiographic examination.
Disposal methods
The basis for the treatment of helminth infestation in adults and children is the use of anthelminthic drugs.
To treat ascariasis and enterobiasis, highly effective drugs against tapeworms are often used.Most often, 1 tablet is enough to eliminate parasites, but sometimes the treatment is carried out according to a scheme that involves repeating the drug 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 path is compliance with hygiene standards.To eliminate the symptoms of the disease, antihistamines and probiotics can be prescribed.
Prevention
You can protect yourself from parasitic infections by following the rules of personal hygiene and heat treatment of food.Soil treatment is recommended to reduce the number of helminth eggs.Timely examination and treatment of domestic dogs and cats will help avoid the appearance of helminthiasis in children.The risk of contracting parasitic diseases increases many times during contact with stray animals carrying different types of parasites.
It is mandatory to wash vegetables, fruits and herbs, since parasite eggs can enter the body with soil particles remaining 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.