Helminthic 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 occur in humans, but in our country there are only 10. parasitic diseases.The prevalence of worms is influenced by weather and economic conditions in the country.People suffer from helminthic 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 become infected from 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 habitat in the intestines.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 in different stages can occur in both luminal and tissue forms.
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 helminthiasis is characterized by various symptoms.Symptoms depend on where the worms live, their number and lifestyle.By introducing some of the nutrients, the worms are involved in metabolic processes, which is manifested by a lack of vitamins and microelements and digestive disorders.Worm waste products 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 infestation may appear a few days after the eggs or larvae enter the body.Immediately after infection, a rash appears on the skin, the 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 individuals, the chronic phase of helminthiasis can go unnoticed.An exception is parasitism in the body of large worms.
In severe helminthic infestations, indigestion, severe pain and symptoms characteristic of a certain type of parasite occur.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.Roundworms often block the intestinal lumen and bile ducts.Especially dangerous are parasites that can lead to the formation of cysts - echinococcus, alveococcus.Even small cysts can cause suppuration, peritonitis and sepsis.Helminthic infestations are often accompanied by neurotic symptoms.
Species
Enterobiasis occurs when pinworms are parasitized - small light-colored worms.The parasite enters the body by eating dirty vegetables and fruits, interacting with pets and not following hygiene rules.The long course of enterobiosis is explained by the possibility of self-infection.The life cycle of the parasite takes place in the intestines, where it grows from a larva to an adult in 14 days.Even in the stage of larval development, helminths can cause significant damage to the body.Enzymes secreted by larvae influence the development of inflammatory bowel diseases.Adults damage its walls, causing bleeding and facilitating the addition of bacterial infections.
This helminthic infestation has a specific symptom - itching in the anal area, mostly in the evening and at night.At that time, the female comes out and lays eggs.Itching leads to scratching, through which bacteria enter.The addition of infection explains the discomfort that does not go away after you get rid of the worms.Enterobiosis in children can lead to delays in physical and mental development.
Ascariasis is characterized by parasitism in the body of ascaris - long round red-yellow worms.The life cycle of helminths begins with eggs entering the intestines, where they become 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 narrow openings, causing obstructive jaundice.The main symptoms of this type of helminthic infestation are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and signs of body intoxication.Roundworms produce strong allergens that lead to severe reactions in the body.
Manifestations of helminthic infestation are often confused with signs of pneumonia, bronchitis and cholelithiasis.A worm ball can cause intestinal blockage and rupture.Penetration of worms into the respiratory system can lead to suffocation.Trichocephalosis is a helminthic infestation caused by whipworms, small round clay worms with a long body.It is transmitted through contaminated food, dirty hands and household items.Main signs of invasion:
- stomach pain;
- decreased appetite;
- diarrhea;
- anemia.
The broad tapeworm is a parasite that can grow up to 20 m.Helminthiasis caused by this type of worm is called diphyllobothriasis.The life cycle of the broad tapeworm is characterized by host change.A person becomes infected by eating raw fish and caviar.The larva attaches itself to the intestinal wall, where it becomes an adult.The helminth is capable of reproduction 3-4 weeks after the start of the intestinal phase.Signs of diphyllobothriasis:
- indigestion;
- iron deficiency anemia.
Hookworm is a disease caused by large roundworms.People become infected by contact with contaminated soil;the larvae are able to overcome the skin barrier and penetrate the circulatory system.They are thus distributed across all organs and systems.In the intestines, 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 phase of helminthic infestation, there is a decrease in the level of protein in the blood and anemia.
Opisthorchiasis is a helminthiasis caused by the cat fluke.The life cycle of a fluke begins in water, and the larval stage takes place in the body of a snail.The larva then hatches in the water and penetrates the body of the freshwater fish.The infection is caused by eating raw fish.The adult parasitizes in the human gall bladder, where it is held in place by suckers.The acute form of opisthorchisis 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 parasite is expelled, pathological changes remain in the liver.
Echinococcus lives in the human orgasm in the middle phase of its life cycle.This is a short tapeworm.The following reasons contribute to human infection:
- contact with sick pets;
- non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene
- use of contaminated household items.
The parasite is often found in dogs, wolves and cats.After the worm eggs enter the body, they produce oncospheres - medium forms.From the digestive system, they penetrate into the circulatory system, from where they are transported by the bloodstream to all organs.Once in the tissue, the oncosphere becomes 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 infestation are associated with the influence of worms on tissue, the destruction of which can lead to organ dysfunction.Helminthiasis is often complicated by the addition of a bacterial infection.The appearance of parasites, when they leave the body, can lead a person to psychological trauma that requires long-term treatment.
Detection methods
Due to the large number of signs characteristic of helminthic infestations, determining the possible route of infection by interviewing the patient plays an important role.To detect eggs or body parts of the parasite, stool, bile and sputum are examined.During a general blood test, a significant increase in the number of eosinophils may indicate the presence of parasites.In some cases, immunological tests that can detect specific antibodies are needed.Additional methods for diagnosing human parasites are:
- computed tomography;
- Ultrasound;
- x-ray examination.
Disposal methods
The basis for the treatment of helminthic infestation in adults and children is the use of anthelmintic drugs.
Medicines that are very effective against tapeworms are most often used to treat ascariasis and enterobiasis.Most often, 1 tablet is enough to get rid of 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 thermal processing of food.Soil treatment 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 manifold during contact with stray animals that are carriers of several types of parasites.
It is mandatory to wash vegetables, fruits and herbs, because parasite eggs can enter the body where soil particles remain.You should avoid eating raw, salted or dried river fish.Meat must be purchased from a verified seller who can provide quality certificates.