Helminth infections or helminth infestation are acute infectious diseases caused by the penetration of special parasites, helminths, into the body of an adult. These include flat, round, ring-shaped and other worms. Such pathologies have a systemic effect and almost always occur chronically. Identification of symptoms, analysis of causes and treatment of helminthic infestation in adult patients is carried out by gastroenterologists, if necessary with the participation of therapists, infectious disease specialists and other specialists.
About the disease
Currently, there are up to 70 species of helminths in our country. In total, science knows up to 250 species of parasites that cause helminth infestations.
The mechanism of infection is simple: parasite eggs enter the human body along with food or contaminated water, then attach themselves to certain organs and begin to multiply. In some cases, infection occurs through close contact of a healthy person with a carrier or through the use of another person's hygiene items or underwear. Certain types of parasites can enter the body through inhaled air.
species
Taking into account the features of infection, experts highlight the following:
- Biohelminthiasis: An intermediate host is required for the development and transmission of the pathogen;
- Geohelminthiases: there is no intermediate host, eggs and/or larvae mature in the soil;
- Contact helminth infections: The pathogen is transmitted directly from person to person.
More broadly, experts identify two main groups of parasites that most commonly infect the human body: roundworms, or nematodes, and flatworms, which include tapeworms and flukes.
Symptoms
In the clinical course of helminthiasis in adult patients, two main phases are distinguished, taking into account the signs:
- acute, lasting up to 2 months;
- chronic, lasting up to several years.
Different types of helminths affect different parts of the body:
- Roundworms, beef and pork tapeworms, pinworms – large intestine;
- trematodes – liver, bile ducts;
- Echinococci, lung flukes – organs of the respiratory system;
- Echinococci, alveococci, schistosomiasis - parts of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system;
- Necators, cestodoses – circulatory system;
- Trichinae, filariae – organs of the lymphatic structure.
The main symptoms of helminthiasis in adults in the acute phase are:
- Muscle aches;
- increased body temperature;
- Chills;
- pain in the abdomen;
- flatulence and other dyspeptic phenomena;
- general deterioration in health;
- Weakness;
- rapid fatigability;
- dry cough;
- dyspnea;
- increased irritability.
Some patients notice a significant loss of appetite, while others complain of a constant feeling of hunger and sometimes 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 determined by the location of the parasites. The most common are:
- constant abdominal pain that worsens after eating or physical work;
- Flatulence;
- flatulence;
- intestinal disorder.
Associated symptoms include:
- constant fatigue;
- Apathy;
- unmotivated weight loss;
- rashes;
- itching of the skin;
- excessive irritability;
- Outbursts of appetite, alternating with complete indifference to food.
An ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs shows a significant enlargement of the liver and spleen. Laboratory blood tests can be used to detect severe iron deficiency anemia and a lack of certain minerals in the body.
When intestinal parasites migrate to nearby organs and structures, women may develop vaginitis, vulvovaginitis, endometritis, salpingitis, and salpingo-oophoritis.
When the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are affected, the leading signs of the disease are:
- severe shortness of breath;
- frequent dry cough;
- feeling tired and weak;
- Arrhythmia.
If the organs of the lymphatic system are affected, the lymph nodes may enlarge and the genital and mammary glands may swell.
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 meats;
- fresh red fish;
- raw eggs;
- poorly washed fruits, vegetables, fruits and herbs.
Sometimes infection occurs through drinking water that does not pass through a filter system, as well as through water in natural reservoirs and swimming pools.
Helminths can be transmitted through contact through underwear and bedding, everyday items (towels, dishes, cutlery, doorknobs, etc. ), as well as through the use of other people's personal care products.
diagnosis
After a general examination, taking an anamnesis and assessing 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 depending on indication;
- specific tests to assess liver function;
- scratching in enterobiasis;
- Histology of various tissues and biological fluids.
An ultrasound examination of the liver, spleen, kidneys and an X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract are mandatory. In addition, computer or magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic techniques to examine various sections of the intestine, and other procedures can be used.
Expert opinion
The prevalence of helminthiasis reaches 10% in some regions of the country. This is due not only to the poor quality of food, but also to non-compliance with basic safety regulations. You should not eat raw meat and fish or buy goods, especially semi-finished and ready-made meals, in dubious retail stores. It is necessary to wash your hands thoroughly and thoroughly with soap before eating, as well as fruits, vegetables and other fruits of nature, even if they are grown in your garden with your own hands. There may be contaminated feces in the soil, in which worm eggs are perfectly preserved for a long time. If signs of disease or symptoms appear that could 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, patients do not need to be hospitalized for adequate therapy. Treatment of helminthiasis in adults is carried out on an outpatient basis under medical supervision and with regular laboratory tests. Only those who have experienced a complication due to helminthic infestation or whose condition is aggravated by chronic systemic diseases are treated in the hospital.
The basis of treatment is anthelmintics with different spectrums of action. The dosage, treatment regimen and specific type of drug are selected only by the attending physician based on laboratory test data, weight and age of the patient.
In addition, the following can be assigned:
- detoxification measures;
- antipyretics;
- antiallergic and antipruritic medications;
- Diuretics for edema.
Patients are recommended to eat a bland diet with a restriction to heavy foods, fried, smoked and pickled foods, which can also have an irritating effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
prevention
The following preventive measures are recommended:
- Control the quality of drinking water with boiled, carefully filtered or bottled water.
- do not eat raw meat and fish;
- buy food in official retail stores;
- 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 have constant contact with the earth and animals, often go fishing and hunting, or visit countries or regions with low living standards need to take preventative medications twice a year for safety reasons. Your doctor will explain to you in a personal consultation how to do this correctly and which medications you should take.
questions and answers
Can you become infected with helminths through sexual contact?
Yes, if the partner is infected and does not pay attention to personal hygiene. This can also happen during anal sex.
What happens if helminthiasis is not treated?
Nothing good. The consequences of invasion can be serious chronic and acute diseases, including pneumonia, liver abscess and cirrhosis, ascites, hepatitis, as well as sepsis, peritonitis and a variety of other dangerous diseases.
Is it possible to completely cure helminthiasis?
The prognosis of most helminthiasis is favorable. With the development of complications, a worsening of the prognosis is observed. An unfavorable prognosis with cysticercosis of the central nervous system, eyes, as well as with echinococcosis, when surgical treatment is not possible.
Which doctor treats helminth infestation?
A gastroenterologist deals with diseases in this group. If the patient has chronic diseases, a specialized specialist is involved, for example, an endocrinologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, etc. If necessary, a family doctor also takes part, and when treating children, a pediatrician takes part.
What is Fascioliasis?
This is a helminthic infestation caused by worms of the trematode genus. This helminth parasitizes the cells of the liver and hepatobiliary tract. How does a person become infected? Through contaminated water, as well as through consumption of lettuce, parsley, etc. These plants can harbor parasite larvae. The disease progresses in 2 stages – acute and chronic. In the acute stage, high fever, skin rash, allergic lung damage, enlargement of the liver and spleen, and increased levels of eosinophils in the blood may occur. The symptoms of the chronic stage are determined by the involvement of the hepatobiliary tract in the pathological process.