Helminth 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 disease specialists and other specialists as necessary.
About the disease
Currently, up to 70 varieties of helminths are found in our country. In total, there are up to 250 species of parasites known to science that cause helminthic infestations.
The mechanism of infection is simple: parasite eggs enter the human body along with food or contaminated water, after which they become fixed 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 someone else’s hygiene items or underwear. Certain types of parasites are able to enter the body along with inhaled air.
Kinds
Taking into account the characteristics of infection, experts highlight:
- biohelminthiasis: an intermediate host is required for the development and transmission of the pathogen;
- geohelminthiases: 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 often infect the human body: roundworms or nematodes and flatworms, 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, which lasts up to several years.
Different types of helminths affect different parts of the body:
- roundworms, bovine and pork 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 helminthiases 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;
- fast fatiguability;
- 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 of 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 that are determined by the location of the parasites. Most often they are:
- constant abdominal pain, worsening after eating or physical work;
- flatulence;
- bloating;
- bowel disorder.
Associated symptoms include:
- constant fatigue;
- apathy;
- unmotivated weight loss;
- skin rashes;
- skin itching;
- excessive irritability;
- outbreaks of appetite, alternating with complete indifference to food.
An ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs reveals a distinct enlargement of the liver and spleen. Using laboratory blood tests, severe iron deficiency anemia and the lack of certain minerals in the body can be determined.
When intestinal parasites migrate to nearby organs and structures, women can develop vaginitis, vulvovaginitis, endometritis, salpingitis and salpingo-oophoritis.
If the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are affected, the leading 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 in the genital and mammary glands may occur.
Causes
The main reason for the development of helminthiasis is the consumption of foods that contain parasite larvae or eggs 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 go through a filtration system, and through water contained in natural reservoirs and swimming pools.
By contact, helminths can be transmitted through underwear and bed linen, common items (towels, dishes, cutlery, door handles, etc. ), as well as through the use of other people's personal hygiene products.
Diagnostics
After a general examination, collection of anamnesis and assessment of the patient’s complaints, the doctor sends the patient with suspected 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 examination of the liver, spleen, kidneys, as well as radiography of the gastrointestinal tract is mandatory. Additionally, computer or magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic techniques for examining different parts of the intestine and other procedures can be used.
Expert opinion
The prevalence of helminthiases 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 goods, especially semi-finished and ready-made meals, from dubious retail outlets. It is necessary to thoroughly 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 ground, in which helminth eggs are perfectly preserved for a long time. If any signs of illness or symptoms appear that may indicate helminthiasis, it is necessary to seek treatment from qualified specialists and in no case use traditional methods.
Treatment
In the vast majority of cases, hospitalization of patients is not required for adequate therapy. Treatment of helminthiasis in adults is performed on an outpatient basis under the supervision of a physician 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 therapy.
The basis of treatment is anthelmintic drugs of various spectrums of action. The dosage, regimen and specific type of drug are selected only by the attending physician, based on laboratory test data, weight and age of the patient.
Additionally, the following may be assigned:
- detoxification measures;
- antipyretics;
- antiallergic and antipruritic drugs;
- diuretics for edema.
Patients are advised to follow a light diet with a limit on heavy foods, fried, smoked and pickled foods, which can have an additional irritating effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
Prevention
The following are recommended as preventive measures:
- control the quality of drinking water using boiled, carefully filtered or bottled water;
- do not eat raw meat and fish;
- purchase food products at official retail 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 fruits from the garden without washing them;
- treat pets for parasites.
People who are constantly in contact with the earth, animals, often go fishing and hunting, or visit countries or regions with a low standard of living, need to take preventive medication twice a year for safety reasons. Your doctor will tell you how to do this correctly and what 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 invasion can be severe chronic and acute diseases, including pneumonia, liver abscess and cirrhosis, ascites, hepatitis, as well as sepsis, peritonitis and a host of other dangerous conditions.
Is it possible to completely cure helminthiasis?
The prognosis for most helminthiases is favorable. A worsening 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 is involved, for example, an endocrinologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, etc. If necessary, a general practitioner also takes part, and when treating children, a pediatrician.
What is fascioliasis?
This is a helminthic infestation caused by worms from the genus trematodes. This helminth parasitizes the cells of the liver and hepatobiliary tract. How does a person become infected? Through infected water, as well as through consumption of lettuce, parsley, etc. These plants may harbor parasite larvae. The disease occurs in 2 stages - acute and chronic. In the acute stage, there may be high fever, skin rash, allergic lung damage, enlarged 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.