Helminth infestation is a disease caused by the parasitism of lower worms in the human body.There are 3 types of helminths: roundworms, tapeworms and flukes.More than 200 types of helminthiasis can be found in humans, but in our country only 10 of the diseases are parasitic.The distribution of worms is affected by the weather and the 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 are infected by domestic animals);
- geohelminthiasis (parasite penetration into the body through contaminated soil);
- contagious (infection through contact with another person).
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 parasitism of larval forms of worms.While the 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 (the 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 form.
Signs
Helminthiasis occurs in 2 stages: acute and chronic.The first begins immediately after the penetration of worm eggs into the body and manifests itself in the form of allergic reactions.Chronic helminth infections are characterized by a wide variety of symptoms.Symptoms depend on where the worms live, their number and lifestyle.By consuming some of the nutrients, the worms are involved in metabolic processes, which is manifested by vitamin and trace element deficiency and digestive disorders.The waste products of the worms not only disrupt the natural intestinal microflora, but also suppress the immune system, which creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of bacteria, fungi and viruses.The risk of developing malignant tumors increases.
The first signs of helminthic invasion may appear a few days after eggs or larvae enter the body.Immediately after infection, a skin rash appears, lymph nodes, liver and spleen increase.Some helminth infections have characteristic symptoms.For example, when infected with opisthorchiasis, obstructive jaundice develops.In the presence of single individuals, the chronic phase of helminthiasis can go unnoticed.An exception is parasitism in the body of large worms.
In severe helminth infestations, indigestion, severe pain and symptoms characteristic of a certain type of parasite appear.For example, with pinworms, children experience itching in the anus, which becomes stronger in the evening.Trichuriasis causes hemorrhagic colitis, hookworm causes iron deficiency anemia.Ascaris often clog the intestinal lumen and bile ducts.Especially dangerous are the parasites that can lead to the formation of cysts - echinococci, alveococci.Even small cysts can cause suppuration, peritonitis and sepsis.Often, helminthic infestations are accompanied by neurotic symptoms.
species
Enterobiosis occurs when pinworms are parasitized - small bright worms.The parasite enters the body by eating dirty vegetables and fruits, communicating with pets and not following hygiene rules.The prolonged course of enterobiosis is explained by the possibility of self-infection.The parasite's life cycle takes place in the intestine, where it grows from a larva to an adult in 14 days.Even in the larval stage of development, the helminth can cause significant harm to the body.The enzymes secreted by the larvae influence the development of inflammatory bowel diseases.Adults damage its walls, causing bleeding and facilitating the addition of bacterial infections.
This helminthic invasion has a specific symptom - itching in the anal area, mostly in the evening and at night.At this time the female comes out and lays eggs.Itching leads to scratching, which allows bacteria to enter.It is the addition of infection that explains the discomfort that does not go away after the removal of the worms.Enterobiosis in children can lead to retardation in physical and mental development.
Ascariasis is characterized by parasitism in the body of ascaris - long round worms with a red-yellow color.The life cycle of the helminth begins with eggs falling into the intestines, where they turn into larvae.Worm larvae migrate throughout the body, damaging tissues.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 related to the ability of roundworms to penetrate through narrow openings, causing obstructive jaundice.The main symptoms of this type of helminthic invasion are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and signs of intoxication of the body.Roundworms produce powerful allergens that cause severe reactions in the body.
Manifestations of helminthic invasion are often confused with signs of pneumonia, bronchitis and cholelithiasis.A ball of worms can cause blockage and rupture of the intestines.The penetration of worms into the respiratory system can lead to suffocation.Trichocephalosis is a helminthic infestation caused by whipworms, small earthen roundworms with a long head and body.Transmission occurs through contaminated food, dirty hands and household items.Main signs of infestation:
- stomach pain;
- decreased appetite;
- diarrhea;
- anemia.
The broad tapeworm is a tapeworm that can grow up to 20 m.The helminthiasis caused by this type of worm is called diphyllobothriasis.The life cycle of the broad tapeworm is characterized by a change of hosts.A person becomes infected by eating raw fish and caviar.The larva is fixed on the intestinal wall, where it turns into an adult.The helminth is able to reproduce 3-4 weeks after the start of the intestinal stage.Signs of diphyllobothriasis:
- indigestion;
- iron deficiency anemia.
Hookworm is a disease caused by large roundworms.Humans become infected through contact with contaminated soil;the larvae are able to overcome the skin barrier and enter the circulatory system.Thus they are distributed in all organs and systems.In the intestine, the helminth attaches itself 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 stage of helminth invasion, a decrease in the level of proteins in the blood and anemia is observed.
Opisthorchiasis is a helminthiasis caused by cat fluke.The fluke's life cycle begins in the water, the larval stage takes place in the snail's body.The larva then hatches in the water and penetrates the body of the freshwater fish.Infection is promoted by eating raw fish dishes.The adult parasitizes the human gall bladder, where it is retained by suckers.The acute form of opisthorchosis is manifested by pain in the epigastric region, high body temperature, joint and muscle pain, allergic rash.The chronic form leads to the development of hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.Even after the parasites are expelled, pathological changes in the liver remain.
Echinococcus lives in the human orgasm in an intermediate stage of its life cycle.It's a short tapeworm.The following causes contribute to human infection:
- contact with sick pets;
- non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene
- using contaminated household items.
The parasite is often found in dogs, wolves and cats.Once the eggs of the worms enter the body, they produce oncospheres - intermediate forms.From the digestive system, they enter the circulatory system, from where they are carried to all organs through the bloodstream.Getting into the tissue, the oncosphere turns into a fin - a cavity surrounded by two shells.Finna, growing, leads to the appearance of a cyst.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 helminthic invasion are related to the impact of worms on tissues, the destruction of which can lead to organ dysfunction.Helminthiasis is 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 helminthic infestations, determining the possible route of infection by interviewing the patient plays an important role.To find eggs or body parts of the parasite, stool, bile and sputum are examined.When conducting a general blood test, a significant increase in the number of eosinophils may indicate the presence of parasites.In some cases, immunological tests are needed, which can detect specific antibodies.Additional methods for diagnosing human parasites are:
- computed tomography;
- ultrasound;
- x-ray examination.
Disposal methods
The basis for treatment of helminthic infestations in adults and children is the use of anthelmintic drugs.
For the treatment of ascariasis and enterobiosis, drugs that are very effective against tapeworms are most often used.Most often, 1 tablet is enough to get rid of the parasites, but sometimes the treatment is carried out according to a scheme that includes 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 course is compliance with hygiene rules.To eliminate the symptoms of the disease, antihistamines and probiotics can be prescribed.
Prevention
You can protect yourself from parasite infection by following the rules of personal hygiene and heat treatment of food.Tillage is recommended to reduce the number of helminth eggs.Examination and timely treatment of domestic cats and dogs will help to avoid the occurrence of helminthiasis in children.The risk of contracting parasitic diseases increases many times when in contact with stray animals, which are carriers of several types of parasites.
Washing vegetables, fruits and herbs is a must, as parasite eggs can enter the body with soil residues.You should avoid eating raw, salted or dried river fish.Meat should be purchased from a trusted seller who can provide quality certificates.