A parasite is a microorganism that lives by eating the body of its host.When they settle in the human body, they cause serious health problems, and as a result of their reproduction, they can cause death.
Parasitic organisms are generally 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 live a parasitic lifestyle at the expense of other people's bodies.
Unfortunately, although modern society cannot completely protect itself from parasitic infections, but if you test for parasites in time, you can avoid their reproduction and get rid of them without harming your health.
Symptoms that indicate 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 commonly, helminths enter through the skin, genitourinary system or ear.
The causative agent of this disease can be spread through food and water (mostly helminths), through body contact with infected people (pinworms), through soil, through air or dust (ringworms).
Often, invasive disease is asymptomatic and does not show its presence in any way.But 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 some signs that indicate that parasites are present in the human body.
Among them:
- frequent headaches;
- common joint pain;
- muscle pain for no reason;
- frequent colds;
- allergic skin rash;
- difficulty defecating and constipation;
- grinding teeth while sleeping;
- low performance, constant fatigue;
- increased anxiety;
- insomnia;
- the appearance of cracks on the heel;
- difficulty breathing;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- sudden weight fluctuations;
- fragility of the nail plate;
- itching in the anus.
Tumor neoplasms
It must be taken into account that parasitic diseases can cause serious problems.For example, a large number of helminths can form balls 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 children:
- violation of the usual diet (lack of appetite, gluttony);
- increased body temperature;
- allergic rash;
- depression, weakness, restlessness;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- pale skin;
- intestinal dysfunction (diarrhea with mucus or constipation);
- nausea and vomiting especially in the first half of the day.
Most parasites cannot leave the human body on their own.Therefore, if at least one of the above symptoms appears, it is necessary to contact your local doctor or pediatrician, get a parasite test and undergo a course of treatment for helminths.
Diagnosis of invasive disease
The diagnosis of invasive diseases involves the detection of parasites (pinworms, amoeba) and their reproductive products (larvae, eggs).A blood test, stool test, tissue scraping or sputum sample is prescribed first.To check the sample, the following is carried out:
- histological studies;
- immunological studies;
- blood macroscopy;
- Vegetarian test.
Tests for the presence of parasites in children
Before visiting a specialist, parents often wonder what tests to take to identify parasites in their child and which method will give more accurate results.Analysis for invasive disease in children is determined based on the location and type of parasite.
Often prescribed:
- blood test using the ELISA method;
- serological studies;
- scraping or smearing using the PCR method;
- blood tests for adults and children.
A blood test is the most effective type of research and allows you to determine the true picture of the disease, the type of helminth, as well as the ability to reproduce.It allows you to determine the presence of ascariasis, toxoplasma, cysticercosis, amoeba and lichen.
One such type of study is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) blood test, which allows you to evaluate the content of certain antibodies in the plasma, makes it possible to determine the level of infection, examines the body's immune response to the effects of helminths and allows you to identify certain elements in the blood.
Advantages of ELISA research:
- the accuracy of the results regardless of the qualification and experience of the laboratory assistant;
- high sensitivity analysis, accuracy up to 90%;
- 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 disease dynamics;
- determination of the presence of toxic products in the blood.
When interpreting the results, the color of the reagent and the shade intensity 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.High concentrations of IgM and IgG remain throughout the period of presence of helminths.
If the blood test shows a high level of IgM, then the disease is acute.IgG antibodies indicate a chronic form of the disease.
Disadvantages of blood tests to diagnose parasitic diseases:
- blood test results using the ELISA method are obtained within 7 days, while scraping, smear and stool samples 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, especially in the first half of the day;it is advised to avoid taking medicine 12-15 hours before taking blood.Parents are advised to prepare their children in advance.
Stool analysis
Microscopic analysis of feces may be necessary for the initial determination of helminths by traditional means.The study determined the presence of parasite eggs in fecal fragments.
The most accurate results are those shown in 3 tests within a week.
For the most accurate results, stool fragments must be submitted to the laboratory for examination no later than 45 minutes after defecation.
During the study, parasites such as:
- tapeworm;
- theme;
- roundworm.
This type of diagnosis, although relatively simple, cannot claim 100% accuracy of results.This is due to the fact that parasites living in the human body may not lay eggs for a long time.