Helminthic infestation is a disease caused by 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 only a tenth of the diseases are parasitic.The prevalence of worms is influenced by the weather and economic conditions of 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, helminthiasis is divided into 3 types:
- biohelminthiases (people are infected by pets);
- geohelminthiasis (penetration of the parasite 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 their life cycle.The most dangerous consequences are caused by parasitism of larval forms of worms.While a sexually mature individual usually only exists in the intestines, the larva migrates throughout the body, causing pathological changes in the organs.Each type of parasite has its own habitat in the intestines.For example, roundworms are usually found in the small intestine, pinworms in the large intestine.Helminthic infections are divided into luminal (the worms remain in the intestinal cavity) and tissue (the parasite penetrates deep into the tissues).Certain types of parasitic infections at 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 worm eggs enter the body and manifests itself in the form of allergic reactions.Chronic helminthiasis is characterized by a wide variety of symptoms.Symptoms depend on where the worms live, their number and their lifestyle.By consuming certain nutrients, worms are involved in metabolic processes, which are manifested by a deficiency of vitamins and microelements and digestive disorders.Worm waste not only disrupts the natural intestinal microflora, but also suppresses the immune system, which creates ideal conditions for the proliferation 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, lymph nodes, liver and spleen enlarge.Some helminthiases have characteristic symptoms.For example, when infected with opisthorchiasis, obstructive jaundice develops.In the presence of isolated individuals, the chronic phase of helminthiasis can go unnoticed.The exception is parasitism in the body of large worms.
With powerful helminthic infestations, indigestion, severe pain and symptoms characteristic of a particular type of parasite occur.For example, with pinworms, children experience itching in the anus, which intensifies in the evening.Trichuriasis causes hemorrhagic colitis, hookworm causes iron deficiency anemia.Roundworms often obstruct the intestinal lumen and bile ducts.Particularly dangerous are parasites that can lead to the formation of cysts - echinococci, alveococci.Even small cysts can cause suppuration, peritonitis and sepsis.Helminthic infestations are often accompanied by neurotic symptoms.
Species
Enterobiasis occurs when parasitized by pinworms - 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 autoinfection.The life cycle of the parasite takes place in the intestines, where in 14 days it changes from a larva to an adult.Even at the larval stage of development, helminths can cause significant harm to the body.The enzymes secreted by the larvae influence the development of inflammatory bowel diseases.Adults damage its walls, causing hemorrhage and facilitating the addition of bacterial infections.
This helminthic infestation presents a specific symptom: itching in the anal region, mainly in the evening and at night.This is when the female comes out and lays eggs.Itching leads to scratching through which bacteria penetrate.It is the addition of infection that explains the discomfort that does not disappear after eliminating the worms.Enterobiasis in children can lead to delayed physical and mental development.
Ascariasis is characterized by parasitism in the body of roundworms - long, round worms of red-yellow color.The life cycle of helminths begins with the entry of eggs into the intestines, where they become larvae.Worm larvae migrate throughout the body, damaging tissues.At the end of the larval stage, the parasite enters the lungs, from where it returns to the gastrointestinal tract with sputum.The danger of the intestinal phase of the disease is associated with 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 intoxication of the body.Roundworms produce powerful allergens that cause serious reactions in the body.
Manifestations of helminthic infestation are often confused with signs of pneumonia, bronchitis and cholelithiasis.A ball of worms can cause blockage and rupture of the intestines.The entry of worms into the respiratory system can lead to suffocation.Trichuriasis is a helminthic infestation caused by whipworms, small round clay worms with a long body head portion.Transmission occurs through contaminated food, dirty hands and household items.Main signs of invasion:
- stomach ache;
- decreased appetite;
- diarrhea;
- anemia.
The broad tapeworm is a ribbon parasite that can reach 20 m.Helminthiasis caused by this type of worm is called diphyllobothriasis.The life cycle of the broad tapeworm is characterized by a change of hosts.A person becomes infected by eating raw fish and caviar.The larva attaches to the intestinal wall where it becomes an adult.Helminths are able to reproduce 3-4 weeks after the intestinal stage begins.Signs of diphyllobothriasis:
- indigestion;
- iron deficiency anemia.
Hookworm is a disease caused by large roundworms.People become infected through contact with contaminated soil;the larvae are able to cross the skin barrier and enter the circulatory system.Thus, they are distributed in all organs and systems.In the intestines, helminths attach to the walls and begin to suck blood.The symptoms of this disease in the larval stage are similar to those of ascariasis.In the intestinal stage of helminthic infestation, a decrease in protein levels in the blood and anemia are observed.
Opisthorchiasis is a helminthiasis caused by the cat fluke.The life cycle of the fluke begins in water, the larval stage takes place in the body of the snail.The larva then hatches in water and enters the body of freshwater fish.The infection is favored by the consumption of raw fish dishes.The adult parasitizes the human gallbladder, where it is held in place by suction cups.The acute form of opisthorchiasis is manifested by pain in the epigastric region, high body temperature, joint and muscle pain, and allergic skin rash.The chronic form leads to the development of hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.Even after the expulsion of the parasites, pathological changes remain in the liver.
The echinococcus lives in the human orgasm at an intermediate stage of its life cycle.It's a little tapeworm.The following reasons contribute to human infection:
- contact with sick animals;
- non-compliance with personal hygiene rules
- use of contaminated household items.
The parasite is often present in dogs, wolves and cats.Once the worm eggs enter the body, they produce oncospheres – intermediate forms.From the digestive system they enter 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 up, 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 impact of worms on tissues, the destruction of which can lead to organ dysfunction.Helminthiasis is often complicated by the addition of a bacterial infection.The appearance of the parasite, when it leaves the body, can lead a person to psychological trauma requiring long-term treatment.
Detection methods
Due to the large number of signs inherent in helminthic infestations, it is important to determine the possible route of infection by questioning the patient.In order to detect eggs or body parts of the parasite, stools, 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 to detect specific antibodies are necessary.Additional methods for diagnosing human parasites are:
- CT scan;
- Ultrasound;
- X-ray examination.
Disposal methods
The basis of treatment of helminthic infestations in adults and children is the use of anthelmintic drugs.
To treat ascariasis and enterobiasis, drugs that are very effective against tapeworms are most often used.Most often, 1 tablet is enough to get rid of parasites, but sometimes the treatment is carried out according to a scheme that involves repeating the treatment after a certain break.Echinococcosis is usually treated surgically, after which medications are prescribed to restore the functions of the affected organs.
For some parasites, joint treatment of all members of the family is recommended.Compliance with hygiene rules is an integral part of the therapeutic process.To eliminate the symptoms of the disease, antihistamines and probiotics can be prescribed.
Prevention
You can protect yourself from parasitic infections by following the rules of personal hygiene and heat treatment of food.Soil treatment is recommended to help reduce the number of helminth eggs.Prompt examination and treatment of domestic cats and dogs will help avoid the occurrence of helminthiasis in children.The risk of contracting parasitic diseases increases several times when contacting stray animals carrying several types of parasites.
It is obligatory to wash vegetables, fruits and herbs, since parasite eggs can enter the body along with soil particles remaining there.You should avoid eating raw, salted or dried river fish.Meat should be purchased from a trusted seller who can provide quality certificates.