Parasites are microorganisms that survive by feeding on their host's organism. When they live in the human body, they cause serious health problems and can be fatal due to their reproduction.
Parasitic organisms are generally divided into two types:
- Zooparasites, which include parasitic worms (helminths, flatworms), arachnids, ticks, molluscs, etc.
- Phytoparasites are parasitic plants, viruses, pathogenic fungi, etc.
Some types of viruses that lead a parasitic lifestyle at the expense of a foreign organism can be classified as parasites.
Unfortunately, even modern society cannot completely protect itself from being infected by parasites. However, if you timely conduct an analysis for parasites, you can avoid their reproduction and get rid of them without serious harm to health.
Symptoms that indicate the presence of parasites in the human body
Parasites enter the human body through natural openings such as the mouth, genitals and anus. Less often, helminths penetrate the skin, the genitourinary system, or the ears.
The pathogens of the disease can be transmitted with food and water (most helminths) through physical contact with an infected person (pinworms), through the soil, through air or dust (roundworms).
Most of the time, invasive diseases are asymptomatic and in no way show me their presence. However, with excessive reproduction, signs of various diseases appear, which usually do not indicate the presence of parasites, which greatly complicates treatment due to the inability to make the correct diagnosis.
However, there are a number of signs that suggest that parasites are present in the human body.
Below:
- frequent headaches;
- regular joint pain;
- unreasonable muscle pain;
- frequent colds;
- allergic rashes;
- difficult bowel movements and constipation;
- teeth grind in sleep;
- low efficiency, constant fatigue;
- increased nervousness;
- insomnia;
- cracked heels;
- shortness of breath;
- Disruption of the digestive tract;
- severe fluctuations in weight;
- fragility of the nail plates;
- Itching in the anus.
Tumor neoplasms
It should be borne in mind that parasitic diseases can cause serious problems. For example, large numbers of helminths can fuse and cause intestinal obstruction.
Parasites can also cause chronic cell damage, cancer, anemia, or jaundice.
Signs of parasites in children
Symptoms for identifying the presence of parasitic organisms in a child:
- Violation of the usual diet (loss of appetite, gluttony);
- increase in body temperature;
- allergic rash;
- mood, weakness, nervousness;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- Pallor of the skin;
- Bowel problems (diarrhea with mucus or constipation)
- Nausea and vomiting mainly in the morning.
Most parasites cannot leave the human body on their own. Therefore, if at least one of the above symptoms is present, it is imperative to contact a local therapist or pediatrician, get checked for parasites, and undergo treatment for helminths.
Diagnostics of invasive diseases
When diagnosing invasive diseases, parasites (pinworms, amoebas) and their reproductive products (larvae, eggs) are detected. A blood test, feces, tissue scratching or sputum test is pre-assigned. To examine samples, do the following:
- histological examinations;
- immunological studies;
- blood macroscopy;
- vegetative resonance tests.
Tests for the presence of parasites in children
Before visiting a specialist, parents often wonder what tests need to be done to identify parasites in a 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 parasite.
Most frequently assigned:
- blood test by ELISA;
- serological test;
- scraping or smear by PCR method;
- blood test in 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 worm, as well as its fertility. It allows you to determine the presence of ascariasis, toxoplasma, cysticercosis, amoeba and lichen.
One type of such study is an ELISA blood test that allows you to determine the level of certain antibodies in the plasma, determine the stage of infection, examine the body's immune response to the effects of helminths, and identify certain elements in the blood.
Advantages of ELISA research:
- the accuracy of the result, regardless of the qualification and experience of the laboratory assistant;
- high sensitivity of the analysis, up to 90% accuracy; With
- you can get 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 hue 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. A high concentration of IgM and IgG is maintained throughout the period that helminths are present.
If the blood test shows high IgM levels, the disease is acute. IgG antibodies speak of a chronic form of the disease.
Disadvantages of blood tests to diagnose parasitic diseases:
- blood test results by ELISA are obtained within 7 days, while samples of cockroaches, smears and feces are obtained after 1-2 days;
- 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 exclude the use of any medication 12-15 hours before blood collection. Parents are advised to prepare their child in advance.
Stool Analysis
For the preliminary determination of helminths in a conventional manner, microscopic analysis of the stool may be required. During the study, the presence of parasite eggs in a fragment of the feces is determined.
The most accurate result is that shown in 3 tests during the week.
For the most accurate result, a stool fragment must be submitted to a laboratory for examination no later than 45 minutes after a stool.
During the study, parasites like:
- tapeworm;
- topics;
- round worms.
This type of diagnosis is quite simple and cannot claim to be 100% accurate. This is due to the fact that parasites living in the human body may not lay eggs for a long period of time.