Helminth infections or helminth invasions are acute infectious diseases caused by the entry of special parasites, helminths, into the body of an adult. These include flatworms, roundworms, ringworms and others. Such pathologies have a systemic effect and almost always appear chronically. Identification of symptoms, analysis of causes and treatment of helminth infestations in adult patients are carried out by gastroenterologists with the participation of therapists, specialists in infectious diseases and other specialists, if necessary.
About the disease
Currently, up to 70 varieties of helminths are found in our country. In total, there are up to 250 species of parasites known to science that cause helminthic infestations.
The mechanism of infection is simple: parasite eggs enter the human body together with food or contaminated water, then they are fixed in certain organs and begin to reproduce. In some cases, infection occurs during close contact of a healthy person with a carrier or through the use of foreign hygiene items or underwear. Some types of parasites can enter the body along with inhaled air.
Kinds
Taking into account the characteristics of the infection, experts emphasize:
- biohelminthiasis: the development and transmission of the pathogen requires an intermediate host;
- geohelminthiasis: there is no intermediate host, maturation of the eggs and/or larvae takes place in the soil;
- contact helminth infections: the pathogen is transmitted directly from person to person.
In a broader sense, experts identify two main groups of parasites that most commonly infect the human body: roundworms, or nematodes, and flatworms, which include tapeworms and flukes.
Symptoms
In the clinical course of helminthiasis in adult patients, taking into account the signs, two main phases are distinguished:
- acute, lasting up to 2 months;
- chronic, lasting up to several years.
Different types of helminths affect different parts of the body:
- roundworms, beef and pork tapeworms, pinworms - large intestine;
- trematodes – liver, bile ducts;
- echinococci, lung flukes - organs of the respiratory system;
- echinococci, alveococci, schistosomes - parts of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system;
- some, cestodoses - circulatory system;
- trichinella, filariae - organs of the lymphatic structure.
The main symptoms of helminthiasis in adults in the acute phase are:
- muscle pain;
- increased body temperature;
- chills;
- stomach ache;
- flatulence and other dyspeptic phenomena;
- general deterioration of health;
- weakness;
- rapid fatigue;
- dry cough;
- dyspnea;
- increased irritability.
Some patients note a pronounced decrease in appetite, others, on the contrary, complain of a constant feeling of hunger, sometimes of a change in taste preferences.
The chronic form of helminthic infestation in adults is accompanied by signs of general intoxication of the body and specific symptoms that are determined by the location of the parasites. Most often they are:
- constant pain in the abdomen, worsening after eating or physical work;
- flatulence;
- bloating;
- bowel disorder.
Associated symptoms include:
- constant fatigue;
- apathy;
- unmotivated weight loss;
- skin rashes;
- skin itching;
- excessive irritability;
- bursts of appetite alternating with complete indifference to food.
An ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs revealed a pronounced enlargement of the liver and spleen. With the help of laboratory blood tests, severe iron deficiency anemia and the lack of certain minerals in the body can be determined.
When intestinal parasites migrate to nearby organs and structures, women can develop vaginitis, vulvovaginitis, endometritis, salpingitis, and salpingo-oophoritis.
If the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are affected, the leading signs of the disease will be:
- severe shortness of breath;
- frequent dry cough;
- feeling tired, weak;
- arrhythmia.
If the organs of the lymphatic system are affected, an increase in lymph nodes and swelling of the genital and mammary glands may occur.
reasons
The main reason for the development of helminthiasis is the consumption of foods that contain larvae or eggs of parasites inside or on the surface:
- raw and undercooked beef, pork, chicken and other types of meat;
- fresh red fish;
- raw eggs;
- poorly washed fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs.
Sometimes infection occurs through drinking water that does not pass through a filtration system and through water contained in natural reservoirs and pools.
In case of contact, helminths can be transmitted through underwear and bedding, common objects (towels, plates, cutlery, door handles, etc. ), as well as by using other people's personal hygiene products.
Diagnosis
After a general examination, taking an anamnesis and evaluating the patient's complaints, the doctor sends the patient suspected of helminthic infestation for laboratory tests. They include:
- clinical blood test;
- stool analysis for worm eggs;
- ELISA or PCR as indicated;
- specific tests to assess liver function;
- scraping for enterobiosis;
- histology of various tissues and biological fluids.
An ultrasound examination of the liver, spleen, kidneys, as well as radiography of the gastrointestinal tract is mandatory. In addition, computerized or magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic techniques for examining different parts of the intestine, and other procedures may be used.
Expert opinion
The prevalence of helminthiasis in some regions of the country reaches 10%. This is due not only to the poor quality of food products, but also to the non-compliance with basic safety rules. You should not eat raw meat and fish, as well as buy goods, especially semi-finished products and ready meals, from questionable commercial establishments. It is necessary to thoroughly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap before eating, as well as fruits, vegetables and other fruits of nature, even if they are grown with your own hands in your garden. There may be contaminated feces in the ground, in which helminth eggs are perfectly preserved for a long time. If signs of illness or symptoms that may indicate helminthiasis appear, it is necessary to seek treatment from qualified specialists and in no case to use traditional methods.
Treatment
In the majority of cases, hospitalization of patients is not necessary for adequate therapy. Treatment of helminthiasis in adults is carried out on an outpatient basis under the supervision of a doctor and with regular laboratory tests. In hospital conditions, only those who have developed a complication due to helminthic invasion or whose condition is worsened by chronic systemic diseases undergo therapy.
The basis of treatment is anthelmintic drugs with a different spectrum of action. The dosage, the scheme and the specific type of drug are selected only by the attending physician based on the data of laboratory tests, weight and age of the patient.
In addition, the following can be assigned:
- detoxification measures;
- antipyretics;
- antiallergic and antipruritic drugs;
- diuretics for edema.
Patients are recommended a light diet with the restriction of heavy foods, fried, smoked and pickled foods, which can have an additional irritating effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
Prevention
The following are recommended as preventive measures:
- control the quality of drinking water by using boiled, carefully filtered or bottled water;
- do not eat raw meat and fish;
- purchase of food products in official outlets;
- wash vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs before eating;
- do not use other people's personal care products;
- regularly carry out wet cleaning in the premises where pets live;
- do not eat fruit from the garden without washing it;
- treat pets for parasites.
People who are in constant contact with the earth, animals, often go fishing and hunting, or visit countries or regions with a low standard of living, should take preventive medicine twice a year for safety reasons. Your doctor will tell you how to do this correctly and what medicines to use during a personal consultation.
Questions and Answers
Is it possible to get infected with helminths through sexual contact?
Yes, if the partner is infected and does not take good care of his personal hygiene. This can also happen during anal sex.
What happens if helminthiasis is not treated?
Nothing good. The consequences of the invasion can be severe chronic and acute diseases, including pneumonia, liver abscess and cirrhosis, ascites, hepatitis, as well as sepsis, peritonitis and a bunch of other dangerous conditions.
Is it possible to completely cure helminthiasis?
The prognosis for most helminthiases is favorable. As complications develop, the prognosis worsens. Unfavorable prognosis for cysticercosis of the central nervous system, eyes, as well as for echinococcosis, if surgical treatment is impossible.
Which doctor treats helminth infestations?
The gastroenterologist deals with diseases of this group. If the patient has chronic pathologies, a specialized specialist is involved, for example, an endocrinologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, etc. If necessary, a general practitioner also participates, and in the treatment of children - a pediatrician.
What is fascioliasis?
It is a helminthic infestation caused by worms of the trematode genus. This helminth parasitizes the cells of the liver and hepatobiliary tract. How does one get infected? Through contaminated water, as well as through consumption of lettuce, parsley, etc. These plants may harbor parasite larvae. The disease occurs in 2 stages - acute and chronic. In the acute stage, there may be high fever, skin rash, allergic lung damage, enlarged liver and spleen, and increased levels of eosinophils in the blood. The symptoms of the chronic stage are determined by the involvement of the hepatobiliary tract in the pathological process.