Parasites are microorganisms that survive by feeding on the body of their host.When they settle in the human body they cause serious health problems and, due to 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 to the detriment of someone else's body.
Unfortunately, even modern society is not able to completely protect itself from infection with parasites, but if you carry out timely tests for parasites, you can avoid their reproduction and eliminate them without serious harm 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 (pinworms), through soil, air or dust (roundworms).
Very 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 inability to make a correct diagnosis.
However, there are a number of signs that suggest the presence of parasites in the human body.
Among these:
- frequent headaches;
- regular joint pain;
- causeless muscle pain;
- frequent colds;
- allergic skin rashes;
- difficult bowel movements and constipation;
- grinding your teeth during sleep;
- low performance, constant tiredness;
- increased nervousness;
- insomnia;
- the appearance of cracks on the heels;
- difficulty breathing;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- sudden weight fluctuations;
- fragility of nails;
- itching in the anus.
Tumor neoplasms
It must be taken into account that parasitic diseases can cause serious problems.For example, large numbers of helminths can form a ball and cause an 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 rash;
- bad mood, weakness, nervousness;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- pale skin;
- intestinal dysfunction (diarrhea with mucus or constipation);
- nausea and vomiting especially in the first half of the day.
Most parasites are unable to leave the human body on their own.Therefore, if at least one of the symptoms listed above appears, it is necessary to contact your doctor or pediatrician, undergo an anti-parasitic test and undergo a course of treatment against helminths.
Diagnosis of invasive diseases
The diagnosis of invasive diseases involves the identification of parasites (pinworms, amoebae) and their reproductive products (larvae, eggs).A blood test, stool test, tissue scraping or sputum sample is preliminarily prescribed.To examine the samples the following is done:
- histological studies;
- immunological studies;
- blood macroscopy;
- Vegetarian resonance test.
Test for the presence of parasites in children
Before visiting a specialist, parents often wonder what tests should be done to identify parasites in their child and which method will give a more accurate result.Testing 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 tests 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 helminths and the ability to reproduce.It allows you to determine the presence of ascariasis, toxoplasma, cysticercosis, amoebae and lichens.
One type of such a study is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) blood test, which allows you to evaluate the content of certain antibodies in the 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 the dynamics of the disease;
- determination of the presence of toxic products in the blood.
The color of the reagent and the shade intensity of the sample are taken into account when interpreting the result.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, 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 with the ELISA method is obtained within 7 days, while scraping, smear and stool samples are obtained after 1-2 days;
- The research must be carried out in a special paid laboratory.
It is advisable 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 sampling.Parents are advised to prepare their child in advance.
Stool analysis
For preliminary determination of helminths in the traditional way, microscopic analysis of feces may be necessary.The study determines the presence of parasite eggs in a fragment of feces.
The most accurate result is that shown in 3 tests within one week.
For a more accurate result, a stool fragment should be subjected to laboratory examination no later than 45 minutes after defecation.
During the study, parasites such as:
- tapeworm;
- themes;
- nematodes.
This type of diagnosis, although quite simple, cannot guarantee 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.