Helminth infections or helminthic infestations are acute infectious diseases caused by the entry of special parasites, helminths, into the body of an adult. These include flat, round, ring and other worms. Such pathologies have a systemic effect and almost always occur chronically. Identification of symptoms, analysis of causes and treatment of helminthic infestations in adult patients are carried out by gastroenterologists with the participation of therapists, infectious disease specialists and other specialists as necessary.
About the disease
Currently, there are up to 70 species of helminths in our country. In total, up to 250 species of parasites that cause helminthic infestations are known to science.
The mechanism of infection is simple: parasite eggs enter the human body together with food or contaminated water, after which they are fixed in certain organs and begin to multiply. In some cases, infection occurs through close contact between a healthy person and a carrier or by using other people's hygiene items or underwear. Certain types of parasites can enter the body along with inhaled air.
Species
Taking into account the characteristics of the infection, experts point out:
- biohelminthiasis: an intermediate host is required for pathogen development and transmission;
- geohelminthiasis: no intermediate host, maturation of eggs and/or larvae occurs in the soil;
- contact infections with helminths: the pathogen is transmitted directly from person to person.
Broadly speaking, 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 stages 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 – colon;
- trematodes – liver, bile ducts;
- echinococci, lung flukes - organs of the respiratory system;
- echinococci, alveococci, schistosomiasis - parts of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system;
- nekators, cestodoses – circulatory system;
- trichinella, filaria - organs of the lymphatic structure.
The main symptoms of helminthiasis in adults in the acute phase are:
- muscle pain;
- increased body temperature;
- chills;
- abdominal pain;
- flatulence and other dyspeptic phenomena;
- general deterioration of health;
- weakness;
- fast fatigue;
- dry cough;
- dyspnea;
- increased irritability.
Some patients notice 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 determined by the localization of the parasite. Most often they are:
- constant pain in the abdomen, worse after eating or physical work;
- flatulence;
- flatulence;
- bowel disorder.
Associated symptoms include:
- constant fatigue;
- apathy;
- unmotivated weight loss;
- skin rash;
- itchy skin;
- excessive irritability;
- outbreaks of appetite, alternating with complete indifference to food.
An ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs shows a pronounced enlargement of the liver and spleen. Laboratory blood analyzes can determine severe anemia due to iron deficiency and the lack of certain minerals in the body.
When intestinal parasites migrate to nearby organs and structures, women can develop vaginitis, vulvovaginitis, endometritis, salpingitis, and salpingoophoritis.
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 organs of the lymphatic system are affected, there may be an increase in lymph nodes and swelling in the genital and mammary glands.
Causes
The main reason for the development of helminthiasis is the consumption of food containing parasite larvae or eggs 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, fruits and herbs.
Sometimes infection occurs through drinking water that does not pass through the filtration system, and through water found in natural reservoirs and pools.
Through contact, helminths can be transmitted through underwear and bedding, common objects (towels, dishes, cutlery, door handles, etc. ), as well as by using other people's personal hygiene products.
Diagnostics
After a general examination, collection of anamnesis and evaluation of the patient's complaints, the doctor sends the patient suspected of helminthic infestation for laboratory tests. This includes:
- clinical blood test;
- Stool analysis for worm eggs;
- ELISA or PCR according to indications;
- specific tests to assess liver function;
- scraping for enterobiosis;
- histology of different 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 can 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 non-compliance with basic safety rules. You should not eat raw meat and fish, nor buy goods, especially semi-finished products and ready meals, from dubious retail 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. The soil may be contaminated with excrement, in which helminth eggs are perfectly preserved for a long time. If any signs of the disease 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 vast majority of cases, hospitalization of patients is not required 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 complications due to helminthic infestation or whose condition is aggravated by chronic systemic diseases are treated.
The basis of treatment are anthelmintic drugs of different spectrum of action. The dosage, regimen and specific type of medicine is chosen exclusively by the doctor, based on the data of laboratory tests, weight and age of the patient.
Additionally, the following may be assigned:
- detoxification measures;
- antipyretics;
- antiallergic and antipruritic drugs;
- diuretics for edema.
Patients are advised to eat a light diet with the restriction of heavy food, fried, smoked and sour food, 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 retail stores;
- wash vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs before eating;
- do not use other people's products for personal hygiene;
- regularly carry out wet cleaning in areas 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, must take preventive medicine twice a year for safety reasons. During a personal consultation, your doctor will tell you how to do it correctly and which medicines to use.
Questions and answers
Is it possible to get infected with helminths through sexual contact?
Yes, if the partner is infected and does not maintain good personal hygiene. This can also happen during anal sex.
What happens if helminthiasis is not treated?
Nothing good. The consequences of invasion can be severe chronic and acute diseases, including pneumonia, liver abscess and cirrhosis, ascites, hepatitis, as well as sepsis, peritonitis and a number of other dangerous conditions.
Is it possible to completely cure helminthiasis?
The prognosis for most helminthiasis is favorable. A worse prognosis is observed with the development of complications. Unfavorable prognosis for cysticercosis of the central nervous system, eyes, as well as for echinococcosis, if surgical treatment is impossible.
Which doctor treats helminthic infestations?
Diseases of this group are dealt with by a gastroenterologist. 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 a pediatrician when treating children.
What is fascioliasis?
This is a helminthic infestation caused by worms of the trematode genus. This helminth parasitizes in the cells of the liver and hepatobiliary tract. How does a person become infected? Through contaminated water, as well as through the consumption of lettuce, parsley, etc. These plants may contain parasite larvae. The disease occurs in 2 stages - acute and chronic. In the acute stage, high fever, skin rash, allergic lung damage, enlargement of the liver and spleen, and an increase in the level of eosinophils in the blood may occur. The symptoms of the chronic phase are determined by the involvement of the hepatobiliary tract in the pathological process.