Parasites are microorganisms that survive by feeding on their host's body.When they settle in the human body, they cause serious health problems and can lead to death if they multiply.
Parasitic organisms are usually classified into two types:
- Zooparasites, which include parasitic worms (helminths, flatworms), arachnids, mites, molluscs, 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, modern society is not able to fully protect itself from infection by parasites.However, if you carry out a timely parasite test, you can prevent their reproduction and get rid of them without serious harm to health.
Symptoms indicating the presence of parasites in the human body
Parasites enter the human body through natural openings such as the mouth, genitals and anus.More rarely, helminths penetrate through the skin, the genitourinary system or the ears.
The causative agents of the disease can be transmitted through food and water (most helminths), through physical contact with an infected person (pinworms), through the soil, through air or dust (roundworms).
In most cases, invasive diseases are asymptomatic and do not become noticeable in any way.However, 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 indicate the presence of parasites in the human body.
Among them:
- frequent headaches;
- regular joint pain;
- unreasonable muscle pain;
- frequent colds;
- allergic skin rashes;
- difficult bowel movements and constipation;
- Grinding of teeth during sleep;
- low performance, constant fatigue;
- increased nervousness;
- Insomnia;
- the appearance of cracks in the heels;
- difficulty breathing;
- Disturbance 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, many 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;
- intestinal dysfunction (diarrhea with mucus or constipation);
- Nausea and vomiting mainly in the first half of the day.
Most parasites are unable to leave the human body on their own.Therefore, if at least one of the above symptoms occurs, it is necessary to contact your local doctor or pediatrician, get tested for parasites and undergo treatment against helminths.
Diagnosis of invasive diseases
The diagnosis of invasive diseases includes the detection of parasites (pinworms, amoebas) and their reproductive products (larvae, eggs).A blood test, stool test, tissue sample or sputum sample is prescribed in advance.To examine samples, the following is carried out:
- histological studies;
- immunological studies;
- blood macroscopy;
- Vegetable resonance tests.
Tests for the presence of parasites in children
Before seeing a specialist, parents often wonder what tests need to be done to detect parasites in their child and which method will give a more accurate result.Analysis for invasive diseases in children is prescribed based on the localization and type of parasites.
Most commonly prescribed:
- blood test using ELISA method;
- serological study;
- scraping or swab 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 clinical picture, the type of helminth, as well as reproductive ability.With it you can determine the presence of ascariasis, toxoplasma, cysticercosis, amoeba and lichen.
One type of such a study is a blood test using an enzyme immunoassay (ELISA), which allows you to assess the content of certain antibodies in plasma, determine the stage of infection, study the body's immune response to the effects of helminths, and identify certain elements in the blood.
Advantages of ELISA research:
- Accuracy of the result regardless of the qualifications and experience of the laboratory assistant;
- high analysis sensitivity, 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 concentration of IgM and IgG markers in the blood.High concentrations of IgM and IgG persist throughout the period of helminth presence.
If a blood test shows a high IgM value, there is an acute illness.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 taken 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, especially in the first half of the day;It is recommended to avoid taking medication for 12-15 hours before blood sampling.Parents are recommended to prepare their child in advance.
Stool analysis
For preliminary determination of helminths by conventional means, microscopic analysis of stool may be required.The study determines the presence of parasite eggs in a stool fragment.
The most accurate result comes from 3 tests within a week.
For the most accurate result possible, a stool fragment must be sent to a laboratory for examination no later than 45 minutes after a bowel movement.
During the study, parasites such as:
- tapeworm;
- topics;
- Roundworms.
Although this type of diagnosis is quite simple, it cannot claim 100% accuracy of the results.This is because parasites living in the human body may not lay eggs for a long period of time.