Parasites are microorganisms that survive by feeding on their host's body. Living in the human body, they cause serious health problems and as a result of their reproduction they can be fatal.
Parasitic organisms are usually classified into two types:
- Zooparasites, which include parasitic worms (helminths, flatworms), arachnids, ticks, mollusks, etc.
- Phytoparasites are parasitic plants, viruses, pathogenic fungi and others.
Also, some types of viruses leading a parasitic lifestyle at the expense of a foreign organism can be classified as parasites.
Unfortunately, even modern society is not able to completely protect itself from parasite infestation, but if you perform an analysis for parasites in time, you can avoid their reproduction and get rid of them without serious damage 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. Less commonly, helminths penetrate the skin, genitourinary system or 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 soil, air or dust (roundworm).
Most often invasive diseases are asymptomatic, and in no way show me their presence. However, in case of over-reproduction, signs of various diseases appear, which usually do not show the presence of parasites, which significantly complicates the treatment due to the inability to make a 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;
- difficulty passing stools and constipation;
- gnashing of teeth during sleep;
- low efficiency, constant fatigue;
- increased nervousness;
- insomnia;
- cracked heels;
- shortness of breath;
- digestive disorders;
- sharp fluctuations in weight;
- brittleness of the nail plates;
- itching in the anus.
Tumors
It should be borne in mind that parasitic diseases can cause serious problems. For example, large numbers of helminths can fuse and cause intestinal obstruction.
Parasites can also cause chronic cell damage, cancer, anemia or jaundice.
Signs of parasites in children
Symptoms for identifying parasites in a child:
- violation of the usual diet (lack of appetite, gluttony);
- increase in body temperature;
- allergic rash;
- mood, weakness, nervousness;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- pale skin;
- bowel problems (diarrhea with mucus or constipation);
- nausea and vomiting mostly in the morning.
Most parasites cannot leave the human body on their own. Therefore, if at least one of the above symptoms occurs, it is imperative to contact a local therapist or pediatrician, be tested for parasites and be treated for helminths.
Diagnosis of invasive diseases
Diagnosis of invasive diseases includes detection of parasites (pinworms, amoebae) and their reproductive products (larvae, eggs). A blood test, stool, tissue scraping or sputum test are pre-scheduled. To test samples, perform:
- histological examinations;
- immunological studies;
- blood macroscopy;
- vegetative resonance tests.
Parasite tests in children
Before visiting a specialist, parents often wonder what tests should be done 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 frequently asked:
- blood test by ELISA;
- serological test;
- scraping or smearing by PCR method;
- blood test in adults and children.
The blood test is the most effective type of test and allows you to determine the exact picture of the disease, the type of helminth, as well as the ability to reproduce. It allows you to determine the presence of ascariasis, toxoplasmosis, cysticercosis, amoebae and lichens.
A type of such study is a blood ELISA test, which allows you to assess the content of certain antibodies in the plasma, makes it possible to determine the stage of infection, to examine the body's immune response to the effects of helminths and allows you to identify specific elements inthe blood.
Pros of ELISA testing:
- the accuracy of the result, regardless of the qualification and experience of the laboratory assistant;
- high sensitivity analysis, 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 shadow 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 helminth presence.
If the blood test shows a high level of IgM, then the disease is acute. IgG antibodies indicate a chronic form of the disease.
Against blood tests to diagnose parasitic diseases:
- ELISA blood test results are obtained within 7 days, while scrapings, smears and faeces are obtained after 1-2 days;
- tests must be performed in a special laboratory for a fee.
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 taking blood. Parents are advised to prepare their child in advance.
Stool analysis
Microscopic stool analysis may be required to pre-determine helminths in the traditional way. During the examination, the presence of parasitic eggs in a fragment of feces is determined.
The most accurate result is the one shown in 3 tests during the week.
For the most accurate result, a stool fragment should be submitted to a laboratory for testing no later than 45 minutes after defecation.
During the study parasites such as:
- tapeworm;
- themes;
- round helminths.
This type of diagnosis, as it is quite easy, cannot be said 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.