Parasites are microorganisms that survive by feeding on the organism of their host. Living in the human body, they cause serious health problems and due to their reproduction they can be fatal.
Parasitic organisms are generally classified into two types:
- Zooparasites, which include parasitic worms (helminths, tapeworms), arachnids, ticks, molluscs, etc.
- Phytoparasites are parasitic plants, viruses, pathogenic fungi, etc.
In addition, certain types of viruses, leading a parasitic lifestyle to the detriment of a foreign organism, can be classified as parasites.
Unfortunately, even modern society is not able to completely protect itself against infection with parasites, but if you conduct an analysis for parasites in time, you can prevent their reproduction and get rid of them without serious harmto health.
Symptoms indicating the presence of parasites in the human body
Parasites enter the human body through natural openings such as the mouth, genitals and anus. Less often, helminths enter through the skin, genitourinary system, or ears.
The causative agents of the disease can be transmitted by food and water (most helminths), by body contact with an infected person (pinworms), through the soil, through the air orby dust (ascaris).
Most often, invasive diseases are asymptomatic, not showing me their presence. 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 the correct diagnosis.
However, there are a number of signs by which it can be assumed that parasites are present in the human body.
Among them:
- frequent headaches;
- regular joint pain;
- unreasonable muscle pain;
- frequent colds;
- allergic skin rashes;
- difficult bowel movements and constipation;
- grinding of teeth during sleep;
- low efficiency, constant fatigue;
- increased nervousness;
- insomnia;
- cracked heels;
- shortness of breath;
- disturbance of the digestive tract;
- strong 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 coalesce and cause intestinal obstruction.
Parasites can also cause chronic cell damage, cancer, anemia or jaundice.
Signs of parasites in children
Symptoms to identify the presence of parasitic organisms in a child:
- violation of the usual diet (lack of appetite, gluttony);
- increase in body temperature;
- allergic skin rash;
- mood swings, weakness, nervousness;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- paleness of the skin;
- bowel problems (diarrhea with mucus or constipation);
- nausea and vomiting mainly in the morning.
Most parasites are unable to leave the human body on their own. Therefore, if at least one of the above symptoms occurs, it is imperative to contact a local therapist or pediatrician, get tested for parasites, and undergo treatment for worms.
Diagnosis of invasive diseases
The diagnosis of invasive diseases involves the detection of parasites (pinworms, amoebae) and their reproductive products (larvae, eggs). A blood test, stool, tissue scraping, or sputum test is pre-assigned. To study samples, perform:
- histological examinations;
- immunological studies;
- blood macroscopy;
- vegetative resonance tests.
Tests for the presence of parasites in children
Before consulting with a specialist, parents often wonder what tests should be done to identify parasites in a child, and which method will give a more accurate result. Analysis for invasive diseases in children is prescribed depending on the location and type of parasites.
Most often attributed:
- blood test by ELISA;
- serological test;
- scraping or smear by PCR method;
- blood test in 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, amoeba and lichen.
One type of such a study is an ELISA blood test, which allows to assess the content of certain antibodies in the plasma, allows to determine the stage of infection, to study the immune response of the organismeffects of helminths and allows you to identify specific elements in the blood.
Benefits of ELISA research:
- the accuracy of the result, regardless of the qualifications and experience of the laboratory assistant;
- high sensitivity 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 in their development;
- the ability to monitor the dynamics of the disease;
- determination of the presence of toxic products in the blood.
When interpreting the result, the color of the reagent and the intensity of the tint of the sample are taken into account. The ratio of antibodies to parasitic antigens is measured by the level of IgM and IgG markers in the blood. A high concentration of IgM and IgG is maintained throughout the period of the presence of helminths.
If the blood test shows a high level of IgM, the disease is acute. IgG antibodies speak of a chronic form of the disease.
Disadvantages of blood tests for the diagnosis of parasitic diseases:
- ELISA blood test results
- are obtained within 7 days, while scratch, smear and feces samples are obtained after 1 to 2 days;
- research must be carried out in a special laboratory for a fee.
It is recommended to donate blood on an empty stomach, mainly in the first half of the day, it is advisable to exclude taking medication 12 to 15 hours before blood sampling. Parents are encouraged to prepare their child in advance.
Stool analysis
Stool microscopic analysis may be required for preliminary determination of helminths in the traditional manner. During the study, the presence of parasite eggs in a fragment of faeces is determined.
The most accurate result is the one presented in 3 tests during the week.
For a more accurate result, a saddle fragment should be submitted for examination to a laboratory no later than 45 minutes after a bowel movement.
During the study, parasites such as:
- tapeworm;
- topics;
- round helminths.
This type of diagnosis, being quite simple, cannot claim to be 100% accurate. This is due to the fact that the parasites living in the human body may not lay eggs for a long time.