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 usually divided into two types:
- Zooparasites, which include parasitic worms (helminths, flatworms), spiders, mites, molluscs, etc.
- Plant parasites are parasitic plants, viruses, pathogenic fungi, etc.
Parasites also include some types of viruses that lead a parasitic lifestyle to the detriment of another's body.
Unfortunately, even modern society is not able to fully protect itself from parasite infection, but if you test for parasites in time, you can avoid their reproduction and get rid of them without serious harm to your health.
Symptoms that indicate the presence of parasites in the human body
Parasites enter the human body through natural openings such as the mouth, genitals and anus.Less commonly, helminths enter through the skin, genitourinary system or ears.
Disease agents can be transmitted through food and water (mostly helminths), physical contact with an infected person (pinworms), through soil, 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 significantly complicates treatment due to the inability to establish a correct diagnosis.
However, there are a number of signs that suggest that parasites are present in the human body.
among them:
- frequent headaches;
- regular joint pain;
- unprovoked muscle pain;
- frequent colds;
- allergic skin rash;
- difficult bowel movements and constipation;
- teeth grinding during sleep;
- low performance, constant fatigue;
- increased nervousness;
- insomnia;
- the appearance of cracks on the heels;
- difficulty breathing;
- gastrointestinal tract disorder;
- sudden weight fluctuations;
- fragility of nail plates;
- itching in the anus.
Tumor neoplasms
It must be taken into account 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;
- moodiness, weakness, nervousness;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- pale skin;
- bowel dysfunction (mucous diarrhea or constipation);
- nausea and vomiting mostly 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-mentioned symptoms appears, it is necessary to contact a local doctor or pediatrician, be tested for parasites and be treated for helminths.
Diagnosis of invasive diseases
The diagnosis of invasive diseases includes the detection of parasites (pinworms, amoeba) and the products of their reproduction (larvae, eggs).A blood, stool, tissue scraping or sputum sample is preliminarily prescribed.The following is carried out for testing samples:
- histological studies;
- immunological studies;
- blood macroscopy;
- Vegetoresonance tests.
Tests for the presence of parasites in children
Before visiting a specialist, parents often wonder which tests should be taken to identify parasites in their child and which method will give a more accurate result.Analysis of invasive diseases in children is prescribed based on the location and type of parasite.
They are most often prescribed:
- blood test using the ELISA method;
- serological study;
- scraping or smearing using the 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, amoeba and ringworm.
A type of such a study is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) blood test, which allows you to assess the content of certain antibodies in 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 ELISA research:
- the accuracy of the results regardless of the qualifications and experience of the laboratory assistant;
- high analysis sensitivity, 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 monitor the dynamics of the disease;
- determining the presence of toxic products in the blood.
When interpreting the results, the color of the reagent and the intensity of the shade of the sample are taken into account.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 remain throughout the period of helminth presence.
If the 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 diagnosing parasitic diseases:
- the result of the blood analysis using the ELISA method is obtained within 7 days, while the scraping, smear and stool samples are obtained after 1-2 days;
- The research must be carried out in a special laboratory for a fee.
It is recommended to give blood on an empty stomach, mostly in the first half of the day;it is advisable to avoid taking medicines 12-15 hours before blood collection.We advise parents to prepare their child in advance.
Stool analysis
For the preliminary determination of helminths in the traditional way, a microscopic analysis of the stool may be required.The study determines the presence of parasite eggs in a stool fragment.
The most accurate result is the one shown in 3 tests during one week.
For the most accurate result, the stool fragment must be submitted to the laboratory for examination no later than 45 minutes after defecation.
During the study, parasites such as:
- tapeworm;
- topics;
- round worms.
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 time.