Parasites are microorganisms that survive by feeding on their host's organism. Living in the human body, they cause serious health problems and, as a result of their reproduction, can be fatal.
Parasitic organisms are generally classified into two types:
- Zooparasites, which include parasitic worms (helminths, flat worms), arachnids, ticks, molluscs, etc.
- Phytoparasites are parasitic plants, viruses, pathogenic fungi, etc.
Furthermore, some types of viruses, which lead a parasitic lifestyle at the expense of a foreign organism, can be classified as parasites.
Unfortunately, even modern society is not able to fully protect itself from parasite infection, but if you carry out an analysis for parasites in time, you can avoid their reproduction and get rid of them without serious harm to 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 often, helminths penetrate through the skin, genitourinary system or ears.
The causative agents of the disease can be transmitted with food and water (most helminths), through physical contact with an infected person (pinworms), through the soil, from the air or from thedust (nematodes).
Very often, invasive diseases are asymptomatic and in no way show me their presence. But with excessive reproduction, signs of various diseases appear, which usually do not indicate the presence of parasites, which significantly complicates the treatment due to the inability to make the correct diagnosis.
However, there are a number of signs by which parasites can be assumed to be present 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 efficiency, constant fatigue;
- increased nervousness;
- insomnia;
- cracked heels;
- shortness of breath;
- disruption of the digestive tract;
- strong fluctuations in weight;
- fragility of the nails;
- itching in the anus.
Tumor neoplasms
It should be borne in mind that parasitic diseases can cause serious problems. For example, a large number of helminths can merge 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 (lack of appetite, gluttony);
- increase in body temperature;
- allergic skin rash;
- mood swings, weakness, nervousness;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- pallor of the skin;
- intestinal problems (diarrhea with mucus or constipation);
- nausea and vomiting mainly in the morning.
Most parasites are unable to leave the human body alone. Therefore, if at least one of the above symptoms occurs, it is imperative to contact a local therapist or pediatrician, get tested for parasites, and undergo treatment for helminths.
Diagnostics of invasive diseases
The diagnosis of invasive diseases involves the identification of parasites (pinworms, amoebas) and their reproductive products (larvae, eggs). A blood test, stool, tissue scraping, or sputum exam is pre-assigned. To study the samples, perform:
- histological examinations;
- immunological studies;
- macroscopy of the blood;
- vegetative resonance test.
Test for the presence of parasites in children
Before visiting a specialist, parents often wonder what tests need to be performed to identify parasites in a child and which method will give a more accurate result. An analysis for invasive diseases in children is prescribed based on the location and type of parasites.
Most often assigned:
- blood test by ELISA;
- serological test;
- scraping or smear by the 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 helminths and the ability to reproduce. It allows to determine the presence of ascariasis, toxoplasma, cysticercosis, amoebas and lichens.
One type of such a study is an ELISA blood test, which allows you to assess the content of certain antibodies in the plasma, allows you to determine the stage of infection, study the body's immune response to the effects of helminths, and allows you toidentify specific elements in the blood.
Pro of ELISA research:
- the 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 hue of the sample are taken into account. The ratio of antibodies to parasitic 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 of the presence of helminths.
If the blood test shows a high level of IgM, the disease is acute. IgG antibodies speak of a chronic form of the disease.
Cons of blood tests for diagnosing parasitic diseases:
- the results of blood tests by ELISA are obtained within 7 days, while the scraping, smear and feces samples are obtained after 1-2 days;
- research must be carried out in a special paid laboratory.
It is recommended to donate blood on an empty stomach, mainly in the first half of the day, it is recommended to exclude medication 12-15 hours before blood collection. Parents are advised to prepare their baby in advance.
Analysis of stool
Microscopic analysis of feces may be necessary for preliminary determination of helminths in the traditional way. During the study, the presence of parasite eggs in a fragment of feces is determined.
The most accurate result is that shown in 3 tests during the week.
For the most accurate result, a stool fragment should be submitted for examination to a laboratory within 45 minutes after a bowel movement.
During the study, parasites such as:
- tapeworm;
- arguments;
- round helminths.
This type of diagnostics, being quite simple, 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 time.