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 as a result of their reproduction, they 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 at the expense of someone else's body.
Unfortunately, even modern society is not able to completely protect itself from infection with parasites, but if you are examined for parasites in time, you can avoid their reproduction and get rid of them without serious damage to your health.
Symptoms indicating 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 often, helminths penetrate through the skin, genitourinary system or ears.
The causative agents of the disease can be transmitted through food and water (mostly helminths), through bodily contact with an infected person (spindles), through soil, through air or dust (roundworms).
Most 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 greatly 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 them:
- frequent headache;
- regular joint pain;
- unexplained muscle pain;
- frequent colds;
- allergic skin rashes;
- difficult bowel movements and constipation;
- teeth grinding during sleep;
- low productivity, constant fatigue;
- increased nervousness;
- insomnia;
- the appearance of cracks on the heels;
- difficulty breathing;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- 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 form a ball and cause 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;
- mood, weakness, nervousness;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- pale skin;
- bowel dysfunction (diarrhea with mucus or constipation);
- nausea and vomiting mainly 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 above symptoms appears, it is necessary to contact the local doctor or pediatrician, be examined for parasites and undergo a course of treatment for helminths.
Diagnosis of invasive diseases
The diagnosis of invasive diseases includes the detection of parasites (horseflies, amoebae) and products of their reproduction (larvae, eggs).A blood test, stool test, tissue scraping or sputum sample is prescribed beforehand.For examination of samples the following is carried out:
- histological studies;
- immunological studies;
- blood macroscopy;
- Plant Resonance Tests.
Tests for the presence of parasites in children
Before visiting a specialist, parents often wonder what tests should be taken to identify the parasites in their child and which method will give a more accurate result.Analysis 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 test;
- scraping or smear by PCR method;
- blood test 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 helminth, as well as the ability to reproduce.It allows you to determine the presence of ascariasis, toxoplasma, cysticercosis, amoebae and lichens.
One type of such research is a blood test with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which allows you to assess 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 the ELISA test:
- accuracy of the result regardless of the qualification and experience of the laboratory assistant;
- high sensitivity of the analysis, 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 observe the dynamics of the disease;
- determining the presence of toxic products in the blood.
The color of the reagent and the color 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 are maintained throughout the period of presence of helminths.
If a blood test shows a high level of IgM, then the disease is acute.IgG antibodies indicate a chronic form of the disease.
Disadvantages of the blood test for the diagnosis of parasitic diseases:
- the result of an ELISA blood test is obtained within 7 days, while scraping, smear and stool samples are obtained after 1-2 days;
- The examination must be carried out in a special laboratory for a fee.
It is recommended to donate blood on an empty stomach, mostly in the first half of the day;it is recommended to avoid taking medication 12-15 hours before blood collection.We advise parents to prepare their child in advance.
Stool analysis
Microscopic analysis of feces may be required for preliminary determination of helminths in the traditional way.The study determines the presence of parasite eggs in a fragment of feces.
The most accurate result is the one shown in 3 tests within one week.
For the most accurate result, the fragment of feces should be sent for examination in a laboratory no later than 45 minutes after defecation.
During the study, parasites such as:
- tapeworm;
- topics;
- roundworms.
This type of diagnosis, although quite easy, cannot claim 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.