Helminthic 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, ringed 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 is carried out by gastroenterologists with the participation of therapists, infectious diseases specialists and other specialists if necessary.
About the disease
Currently, up to 70 varieties of helminths are found in our country. In total, science knows up to 250 species of parasites responsible for helminthic infestations.
The mechanism of infection is simple: parasite eggs enter the human body with contaminated food or water, after which they settle in certain organs and begin to reproduce. In some cases, infection occurs through close contact of a healthy person with a carrier or through the use of hygiene items or underwear belonging to someone else. Certain types of parasites can enter the body through inhaled air.
Types
Considering the characteristics of the infection, experts emphasize:
- biohelminthiasis: an intermediate host is necessary for the development and transmission of the pathogen;
- soil-transmitted helminthiasis: there is no intermediate host, maturation of eggs and/or larvae occurs in the soil;
- Contact helminth infections: The pathogen is transmitted directly from person to person.
In a broader sense, experts identify two main groups of parasites that most commonly infect the human body: roundworms or nematodes and tapeworms, which include tapeworms and flukes.
Symptoms
In the clinical course of helminthiasis in adult patients, taking into account the signs, two main phases are distinguished:
- acute, which lasts up to 2 months;
- chronic, lasting up to several years.
Different types of helminths affect different parts of the body:
- roundworms, bovine and porcine tapeworms, pinworms – large intestine;
- trematodes – liver, bile ducts;
- echinococci, pulmonary flukes – organs of the respiratory system;
- echinococci, alveococci, schistosomiasis - parts of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system;
- necators, cestodoses – circulatory system;
- trichinella, filariae - organs of the lymphatic structure.
The main symptoms of helminthiasis in adults in the acute phase are:
- muscle pain;
- increased body temperature;
- chills;
- pain in the abdomen;
- flatulence and other dyspeptic phenomena;
- general deterioration of health;
- weakness;
- rapid fatigability;
- dry cough;
- dyspnea;
- increased irritability.
Some patients note a pronounced decrease in appetite, others, on the contrary, complain of a constant feeling of hunger, sometimes 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 location of the parasites. These are most often:
- constant abdominal pain, worse after eating or doing physical work;
- flatulence;
- bloating;
- intestinal disorder.
Associated symptoms include:
- constant fatigue;
- apathy;
- unmotivated weight loss;
- Rashes;
- itchy skin;
- excessive irritability;
- attacks of appetite, alternating with total indifference to food.
An ultrasound of the abdominal organs reveals a marked enlargement of the liver and spleen. With the help of laboratory blood tests, it is possible to determine severe iron deficiency anemia and the lack of certain minerals in the body.
When intestinal parasites migrate to nearby organs and structures, women may develop vaginitis, vulvovaginitis, endometritis, salpingitis, and salpingo-oophoritis.
If the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are affected, the main signs of the disease will be:
- severe shortness of breath;
- frequent dry cough;
- feeling tired, weak;
- arrhythmia.
If the organs of the lymphatic system are affected, enlargement of the lymph nodes and swelling of the genital and mammary glands may occur.
Causes
The main reason for the development of helminthiasis is the consumption of food containing larvae or eggs of parasites 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 a filtration system and through water in natural reservoirs and swimming pools.
By contact, helminths can be transmitted through underwear and bed linen, common objects (towels, dishes, cutlery, door handles, etc. ), as well as through the use of personal hygiene products d'others.
Diagnostic
After a general examination, collection of anamnesis and assessment of the patient's complaints, the doctor sends the patient suspected of helminthic infestation for laboratory tests. These include:
- clinical blood test;
- stool analysis for worm eggs;
- ELISA or PCR according to indications;
- specific tests to assess liver function;
- scraping for enterobiasis;
- histology of various tissues and biological fluids.
An ultrasound of the liver, spleen, kidneys and an x-ray of the gastrointestinal tract are mandatory. Additionally, magnetic resonance or computer imaging, endoscopic techniques to examine different parts of the intestine, and other procedures may 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 or buy products, especially semi-finished and ready-made dishes, in dubious points of sale. It is necessary to carefully 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. There may be contaminated feces in the soil, in which helminth eggs are perfectly preserved for a long time. If signs of illness or symptoms appear that may indicate helminthiasis, it is necessary to seek treatment from qualified specialists and in no case use folk methods.
Treatment
In the vast majority of cases, hospitalization of patients is not necessary to obtain adequate treatment. Treatment of helminthiasis in adults is carried out on an outpatient basis under the supervision of a doctor and with regular laboratory tests. In a hospital setting, only those who have developed a complication due to helminthic infestation or whose condition is aggravated by chronic systemic diseases undergo treatment.
The basis of treatment is anthelmintic drugs with different spectra of action. The dosage, regimen and specific type of medication are selected only by the attending physician, based on laboratory analysis data, weight and age of the patient.
Additionally, the following may be assigned:
- detoxification measures;
- antipyretics;
- antiallergic and antipruritic medications;
- diuretics for edema.
Patients are advised to follow a light diet, limiting heavy foods, fried, smoked and pickled foods, which can have an additional irritating effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
Prevention
The following measures are recommended as a preventative measure:
- control the quality of drinking water using boiled, carefully filtered or bottled water;
- do not eat raw meat or fish;
- purchase food products from official outlets;
- wash vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs before eating;
- do not use other people’s personal hygiene products;
- regularly carry out wet cleaning in areas where pets live;
- do not eat garden fruits without washing them;
- treat animals against parasites.
People who are constantly in contact with land, animals, who often go fishing and hunting or who visit countries or regions with a low standard of living, should take preventive medications twice a year for reasonsof security. Your doctor will explain to you how to proceed correctly and which medications to use during a personal consultation.
Questions and answers
Is it possible to become infected with helminths through sexual contact?
Yes, if the partner is infected and does not take good care of personal hygiene. This can also happen during anal sex.
What happens if helminthiasis is not treated?
Nothing good. The consequences of an invasion can be serious chronic and acute illnesses, including pneumonia, liver abscess and cirrhosis, ascites, hepatitis, as well as sepsis, peritonitis and a host of other conditionsdangerous.
Is it possible to completely cure helminthiasis?
The prognosis for most helminthiases is favorable. A worsening of the prognosis is observed with the development of complications. An 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?
A gastroenterologist deals with diseases of this group. If the patient has chronic pathologies, a specialized specialist intervenes, for example an endocrinologist, a cardiologist, a pulmonologist, etc. If necessary, a general practitioner also participates, and when it comes to children, a pediatrician.
What is fasciolosis?
This is a helminthic infestation caused by worms of the trematode genus. This helminth parasitizes the cells of the liver and hepatobiliary tract. How does a person become infected? Through infected water, as well as consumption of lettuce, parsley, etc. These plants can harbor parasite larvae. The disease occurs in 2 stages: acute and chronic. In the acute stage, there may be high fever, rash, allergic damage to the lungs, enlargement of the liver and spleen, and increased levels of eosinophils in the blood. Symptoms of the chronic stage are determined by the involvement of the hepatobiliary tract in the pathological process.