Parasites are microorganisms that survive by feeding on the body of their host.When they settle in the human body, they cause serious health problems, and as a result of their reproduction, they can lead to death.
Parasitic organisms are usually classified into two types:
- Zooparasites, which include parasitic worms (helminths, flatworms), arachnids, mites, mollusks, etc.
- Plant parasites are parasitic plants, viruses, pathogenic fungi, etc.
Parasites also include some types of viruses that lead a parasitic lifestyle at the expense of someone else’s body.
Unfortunately, even modern society is not able to completely protect itself from infection by parasites, but if you test for parasites in time, you can avoid their reproduction and get rid of them without serious harm to your health.
Symptoms indicating the presence of parasites in the human body
The penetration of parasites into the human body occurs through natural openings such as the mouth, genitals and anus.Less commonly, 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, by air or dust (roundworms).
Most often, invasive diseases are asymptomatic and do not show their presence in any way.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, there are a number of signs that suggest that parasites are present in the human body.
Among them:
- frequent headaches;
- regular joint pain;
- causeless muscle pain;
- frequent colds;
- allergic skin rashes;
- difficult bowel movements 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.
Tumor neoplasms
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 rash;
- moodiness, weakness, nervousness;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- pale skin;
- bowel 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 physician or pediatrician, get tested for parasites and undergo a course of treatment for helminths.
Diagnosis of invasive diseases
Diagnosis of invasive diseases involves the detection of parasites (pinworms, amoebas) and their reproduction products (larvae, eggs).A blood test, stool test, tissue scraping or sputum sample is preliminarily prescribed.To examine samples, the following is carried out:
- histological studies;
- immunological studies;
- blood macroscopy;
- Vegetoresonance tests.
Tests for the presence of parasites in children
Before visiting a specialist, parents often wonder what tests need to be taken to identify parasites in their child and which method will give a more accurate result.Analysis for invasive diseases in children is prescribed based on the location and type of parasites.
Most often prescribed:
- blood test using ELISA method;
- serological study;
- scraping or smear using 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 helminth, as well as the ability to reproduce.It allows you to determine the presence of ascariasis, toxoplasma, cysticercosis, amoebas and lichen.
A type of such a study is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) blood test, which allows you to evaluate the content of certain antibodies in the plasma, makes it possible to determine the stage of infection, examine 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 assistant;
- high sensitivity of analysis, 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 the dynamics of the disease;
- determination of the presence of toxic products in the blood.
When interpreting the result, the color of the reagent and the intensity of the sample shade 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 remain throughout the entire period of presence of helminths.
If a blood test shows a high level of IgM, then the disease is acute.IgG antibodies indicate a chronic form of the disease.
Disadvantages of a blood test 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 12-15 hours before taking blood.Parents are advised to prepare their child in advance.
Stool analysis
Microscopic analysis of stool may be required for preliminary determination of helminths in the traditional way.The study determines the presence of parasite eggs in a stool fragment.
The most accurate result is the one shown in 3 tests within a week.
For the most accurate result, a stool fragment must 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 easy, cannot claim 100% accuracy of the results.This is due to the fact that parasites living in the human body may not lay eggs for a long period of time.