Helminth infestation is a disease caused by parasitism of lower worms in the human body.There are three types of helminths: roundworms, tapeworms and leeches.More than 200 types of helminthiases can occur in humans, but in our country only 10 of the diseases are parasitic in nature.The spread of worms is influenced by the country's weather and economic conditions.People in developed countries suffer from helminth infestations much less often than in third world countries.
Depending on the type of infection, helminthiases are divided into three types:
- biohelminthiasis (people are infected by pets);
- Geohelminthiasis (entry of the parasite into the body through contaminated soil);
- contagious (infection through contact with another person).
The symptoms of the presence of parasites in the body 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 the larval forms of worms.While a sexually mature individual is normally found only in the intestines, the larva migrates throughout the body and causes pathological changes in the organs.Each type of parasite has its own habitat in the intestines.For example, roundworms are usually found in the small intestine, while pinworms are found in the large intestine.Helminth infections are divided into luminal (worms remain in the intestinal cavity) and tissue (the parasite penetrates deep into the tissue).Some types of parasitic infections can occur in different stages in both luminal and tissue forms.
Sign
Helminthiasis occurs in two stages: acute and chronic.The first begins immediately after worm eggs enter the body and manifests itself in the form of allergic reactions.Chronic helminthiases are characterized by a variety of symptoms.Symptoms depend on the location, number and lifestyle of the worms.By consuming some nutrients, worms become involved in metabolic processes, which is manifested by a lack of vitamins and microelements, as well as digestive disorders.The waste products of the worms not only disrupt the natural intestinal flora, but also suppress the immune system, which creates ideal conditions for the reproduction 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, obstructive jaundice develops when infected with opisthorchiasis.In some individuals, the chronic phase of helminthiasis can go unnoticed.The exception is parasitism in the body of large worms.
With a heavy infestation of helminths, digestive disorders, severe pain and symptoms characteristic of a particular type of parasite occur.For example, with pinworms, children experience itching in the anus, which becomes worse in the evening.Trichuriasis causes hemorrhagic colitis, hookworms cause iron deficiency anemia.Roundworms often block the intestinal lumen and bile ducts.Parasites that can lead to the formation of cysts are particularly dangerous - echinococci, alveococci.Even small cysts can cause suppuration, peritonitis and sepsis.Helminth infestation is often 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 parasite's life cycle takes place in the intestines, where it grows from larva to adult in 14 days.Already in the larval stage of development, the helminth can cause significant damage to the body.The enzymes secreted by the larvae influence the development of inflammatory bowel diseases.Adults damage the walls, causing bleeding and encouraging the development of bacterial infections.
This helminthic infestation has a specific symptom – itching in the anal area, mainly in the evening and at night.At this point the female comes out and lays eggs.Itching leads to scratching, which allows bacteria to enter.It is the additional infection that explains the discomfort that does not go away after the worms are removed.Enterobiasis can cause delays in physical and mental development in children.
Ascariasis is characterized by parasitism in the body of roundworms - long, round worms of red-yellow color.The life cycle of a helminth begins with the eggs entering the intestines, where they become larvae.Worm larvae travel through the body and damage tissue.At the end of the larval stage, the parasite penetrates the lungs and from there 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 and cause 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 strong allergens that cause severe reactions in the body.
Manifestations of helminthic infestation are often confused with signs of pneumonia, bronchitis and cholelithiasis.A worm ball can lead to constipation and intestinal rupture.Penetration of worms into the respiratory tract can cause 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 an invasion:
- abdominal pain;
- decreased appetite;
- Diarrhea;
- Anemia.
The broadband worm is a ribbon parasite that can grow up to 20 m.Helminthiasis caused by this type of worm is called diphyllobothriasis.The life cycle of the broadband worm is characterized by host change.A person becomes infected by eating raw fish and caviar.The larva is attached to the intestinal wall and develops there into an adult.The helminth is capable of reproduction 3-4 weeks after the intestinal stage begins.Signs of Diphyllobothriasis:
- digestive disorders;
- Iron deficiency anemia.
Hookworm is a disease caused by large roundworms.People become infected through contact with contaminated soil;The larvae can overcome the skin barrier and enter the circulatory system.They are therefore distributed across all organs and systems.In the intestine, the helminth attaches itself to the walls and begins to suck blood.The symptoms of this disease in the larval stage are similar to the symptoms of ascariasis.In the intestinal stage of helminthic infestation, there is a decrease in protein levels in the blood and anemia.
Opisthorchiasis is a helminthiasis caused by the cat fluke.The life cycle of the leech 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.Consuming raw fish dishes promotes infection.The adult parasite parasitizes in the human gallbladder, where it is held in place by suction cups.The acute form of opisthorchiasis is manifested by pain in the upper abdomen, high body temperature, joint and muscle pain, and an allergic rash.The chronic form leads to the development of hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.Even after the parasites have been expelled, pathological changes in the liver persist.
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 commonly found in dogs, wolves and cats.After worm eggs enter the body, they produce oncospheres - intermediate forms.From the digestive system they enter the circulatory system, from where they are transported to all organs via the bloodstream.In the tissue, the oncosphere turns into a fin - a cavity surrounded by two shells.As Finna grows, a cyst forms.The 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 helminthic infestation are associated with the impact of worms on the tissue, the destruction of which can lead to dysfunction of the organ.Helminthiases are often complicated by an additional bacterial infection.The appearance of the parasite when it leaves the body can cause psychological trauma to a person, requiring long-term treatment.
Detection methods
Due to the large number of symptoms that a helminth infestation brings with it, determining the possible route of infection by questioning the patient plays an important role.To detect eggs or body parts of the parasite, stool, bile and sputum are examined.During 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.Other methods for diagnosing human parasites include:
- computed tomography;
- Ultrasonic;
- X-ray examination.
Disposal methods
The basis for the treatment of helminthic infestations in adults and children is the use of anthelmintics.
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 the treatment is carried out according to a scheme in which the intake of the drug is repeated 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, it is recommended that all family members be treated together.An essential part of the course of therapy is compliance with hygiene rules.To eliminate the symptoms of the disease, antihistamines and probiotics can be prescribed.
Prevention
You can protect yourself from parasitic infection by following the rules of personal hygiene and heat treatment of food.To reduce the number of worm eggs, soil treatment is recommended.Examination and timely treatment of domestic cats and dogs can prevent the occurrence of helminthiasis in children.The risk of contracting parasitic diseases increases several times when coming into contact with stray animals that are carriers of several types of parasites.
Washing vegetables, fruits and herbs is imperative as parasite eggs with soil particles remaining on them can enter the body.You should avoid eating raw, salted or dried river fish.Meat must be purchased from a trusted seller who can provide quality certificates.