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 helminthiases can occur in humans, but in our country only 10th 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 infection, helminthiases are divided into 3 types:
- biohelminthiases (people become infected from domestic animals);
- geohelminthiases (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 the life cycle.The most dangerous consequences are caused by parasitism of larval forms of worms.While a sexually mature individual usually exists only in the intestines, the larva migrates throughout the body, causing pathological changes in organs.Each type of parasite has its own habitat in the intestines.For example, roundworms are usually located in the small intestine, pinworms - in the large intestine.Helminth infections are divided into luminal (worms remain in the intestinal cavity) and tissue (the parasite penetrates deep into the tissues).Some 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 penetration of worm eggs into the body and manifests itself in the form of allergic reactions.Chronic helminthiases are characterized by a wide variety of symptoms.Symptoms depend on where the worms live, their numbers and lifestyle.By consuming some of the nutrients, worms become involved in metabolic processes, which is manifested by a deficiency of vitamins and microelements and digestive disorders.The waste products of worms not only disrupt the natural intestinal microflora, but also suppress 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 eggs or larvae enter the body.Immediately after infection, a skin 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 single individuals, the chronic phase of helminthiasis can proceed 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 becomes stronger in the evening.Trichuriasis causes hemorrhagic colitis, hookworm causes iron deficiency anemia.Roundworms often clog 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.Often helminthic infestations are 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 enterobiasis is explained by the possibility of self-infection.The life cycle of the parasite takes place in the intestine, where in 14 days it grows from a larva to an adult.Even at the larval stage of development, the helminth 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 hemorrhages and facilitating the addition of bacterial infections.
This helminthic infestation has a specific symptom - itching in the anal area, mainly in the evening and at night.It is at this time that the female comes out and lays eggs.Itching leads to scratching, through which bacteria enter.It is the addition of infection that explains the discomfort that does not go away after getting rid of the worms.Enterobiasis in children can lead to retardation in physical and mental development.
Ascariasis is characterized by parasitism in the body of ascaris - long round worms of red-yellow color.The life cycle of a helminth begins with eggs entering the intestines, where they become larvae.Worm larvae migrate throughout the body, damaging tissues.At the end of the larval stage, the parasite penetrates 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 lead to severe 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 penetration of worms into the respiratory system can lead to suffocation.Trichocephalosis is a helminthic infestation caused by whipworms, small clay roundworms with a long head part of the body.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 tape parasite that can grow up to 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 is fixed on the intestinal wall, where it becomes an adult.The helminth is capable of reproduction 3-4 weeks after the onset of the intestinal stage.Signs of diphyllobothriasis:
- indigestion;
- iron deficiency anemia.
Hookworm is a disease caused by large roundworms.People become infected upon contact with contaminated soil; the larvae are able to overcome the skin barrier and penetrate the circulatory system.Thus, they are distributed throughout all organs and systems.In the intestines, the helminth attaches to the walls and begins to suck blood.The symptoms of this disease at the larval stage are similar to the symptoms of ascariasis.At the intestinal stage of helminthic infestation, there is a decrease in the level of proteins in the blood and anemia.
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 into the water and penetrates the body of freshwater fish.Infection is promoted by eating raw fish dishes.The adult parasitizes in the human gall bladder, where it is held in place by suckers.The acute form of opisthorchiasis is manifested by pain in the epigastric region, high body temperature, aching joints and muscles, and an allergic rash.The chronic form leads to the development of hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.Even after the parasites are expelled, pathological changes remain in the liver.
Echinococcus lives in the human orgasm in an intermediate stage of its life cycle.This is a short tapeworm.The following reasons contribute to human infection:
- contact with sick pets;
- failure to comply with personal hygiene rules
- use of contaminated household items.
The parasite is often found in dogs, wolves and cats.After worm eggs enter the body, they produce oncospheres - intermediate forms.From the digestive system they penetrate into the circulatory system, from where they are carried through the bloodstream to all organs.Once in the tissue, the oncosphere becomes a fin - a cavity surrounded by two shells.Finna, growing, 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 tissue, the destruction of which can lead to dysfunction of the organ.Often helminthiases are 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 that requires long-term treatment.
Methods of detection
Due to the large number of signs inherent in helminthic infestations, determining the possible route of infection by interviewing the patient plays an important role.In order to detect eggs or body parts of the parasite, stool, bile, and sputum are examined.When conducting a general blood test, a significant increase in the number of eosinophils may indicate the presence of parasites.In some cases, immunological tests that can detect specific antibodies are required.Additional methods for diagnosing human parasites are:
- computed tomography;
- Ultrasound;
- X-ray examination.
Methods of disposal
The basis for the treatment of helminthic infestation in adults and children is the use of anthelmintic drugs.
To treat ascariasis and enterobiasis, drugs that are highly effective against tapeworms are most often used.Most often, 1 tablet is enough to get rid of parasites, but sometimes treatment is carried out according to a scheme that involves repeating the medication after a certain break.Echinococcosis is usually treated surgically, after which drugs are prescribed that restore the functions of the affected organs.
For some parasites, joint treatment of all family members is recommended.An integral part of the therapeutic course is compliance with hygiene rules.To eliminate the symptoms of the disease, antihistamines and probiotics may be prescribed.
Prevention
You can protect yourself from parasite infection by following the rules of personal hygiene and heat treatment of food.Soil treatment is recommended to help reduce the number of helminth eggs.Examination and timely treatment of domestic cats and dogs will help avoid the occurrence of helminthiases in children.The risk of contracting parasitic diseases increases many times during contact with stray animals that are carriers of several types of parasites.
It is mandatory to wash vegetables, fruits and herbs, since parasite eggs can enter the body with soil particles remaining on them.You should avoid eating raw, salted or dried river fish.Meat must be purchased from a trusted seller who can provide quality certificates.