Parasites are microorganisms that survive by feeding on their host's body.When they settle in the human body, they cause serious health problems and, due to their reproduction, can lead to death.
Parasitic organisms are generally classified into two types:
- Zooparasites, which include parasitic worms (helminths, flatworms), arachnids, mites, molluscs, etc.
- Plant pests are parasitic plants, viruses, pathogenic fungi, etc.
Parasites also include certain types of viruses that lead a parasitic lifestyle at the expense of other people's bodies.
Unfortunately, even modern society is not able to completely protect itself from parasitic infections, but if you test for parasites in time, you can prevent their reproduction and get rid of them without serious harm to your health.
Symptoms indicating the presence of parasites in the human body
Penetration of parasites into the human body occurs through natural openings such as the mouth, genitals and anus.More rarely, helminths enter through the skin, genitourinary system or ears.
The causative agents of the disease can be transmitted through food and water (most helminths), through bodily contact with an infected person (pinworms), through soil, through the air or dust (roundworms).
Most often, invasive diseases are asymptomatic and do not show their presence at all.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 make a correct diagnosis.
However, a number of signs suggest the presence of parasites in the human body.
Among them:
- frequent headaches;
- regular joint pain;
- muscle pain without cause;
- frequent colds;
- allergic skin rashes;
- difficult stools and constipation;
- grinding teeth during sleep;
- low performance, constant fatigue;
- increased nervousness;
- insomnia;
- the appearance of cracks in the heels;
- difficulty breathing;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- sudden weight fluctuations;
- fragility of nail plates;
- itching in the anus.
Tumors
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 skin rash;
- mood swings, weakness, nervousness;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- pale skin;
- intestinal dysfunction (diarrhea with mucus or constipation);
- nausea and vomiting mainly in the first half of the day.
Most parasites are not able to leave the human body on their own.Therefore, if at least one of the above symptoms appears, it is necessary to contact your local doctor or pediatrician, take a parasite test and undergo treatment for helminths.
Diagnosis of invasive diseases
The diagnosis of invasive diseases involves the detection of parasites (pinworms, amoebae) and their reproductive products (larvae, eggs).A blood test, stool analysis, tissue scraping or sputum sample are prescribed beforehand.To examine the samples, proceed as follows:
- histological studies;
- immunological studies;
- blood macroscopy;
- Vegetaresonance tests.
Testing children for parasites
Before consulting a specialist, parents often wonder what tests should be done to identify parasites in their child and which method will give a more accurate result.Analysis for invasive diseases in children is prescribed depending on the location and type of parasites.
Most often prescribed:
- blood test using the ELISA method;
- serological study;
- scraping or smear 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 helminths, as well as the ability to reproduce.It allows you to determine the presence of ascariasis, toxoplasma, cysticercosis, amoebae and lichen.
One type of such a study is an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) blood test, which allows you to assess the content of certain antibodies in plasma, allows you to determine the stage of infection, examines the body's immune response to the effects of helminths and allows you to identify specific elements in the blood.
Advantages of ELISA research:
- accuracy of the result regardless of the qualifications and experience of the laboratory technician;
- 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 disease dynamics;
- determination of the presence of toxic products in the blood.
When interpreting the result, the color of the reagent and the shade intensity 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 persist throughout the period of helminth presence.
If a blood test reveals a high level of IgM, then the illness is acute.IgG antibodies indicate a chronic form of the disease.
Disadvantages of taking blood to diagnose parasitic diseases:
- the result of a blood test using the ELISA method is obtained within 7 days, while 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 donate blood on an empty stomach, mainly in the first half of the day;It is advisable to avoid taking medications 12 to 15 hours before a blood test.Parents are advised to prepare their child in advance.
Stool analysis
Microscopic analysis of stools may be necessary for preliminary determination of helminths in the traditional manner.The study determines the presence of parasite eggs in a stool fragment.
The most accurate result is the one displayed during 3 tests carried out in one week.
To obtain the most accurate result, a stool fragment should be submitted to a laboratory for examination no later than 45 minutes after defecation.
During the study, parasites such as:
- tapeworm;
- themes;
- roundworms.
This type of diagnosis, although quite simple, cannot claim 100% accuracy of results.This is due to the fact that parasites living in the human body may not lay eggs for a long time.