Parasitic diseases are a large group of diseases caused by helminths, some arthropods and protozoa.
Despite all the achievements of modern medicine and developed hygiene, according to statistics, about 90% of people around the world at least once in their lives face these pathologies.How to suspect the ailment, and what tests for parasites to pass, you can find out from this article.
Types of parasites
Parasites are called organisms that survive due to the vital activity of living beings.Having settled in the human body, they in the process of their growth and reproduction lead to a deficiency of trace elements, vitamins, proteins and other nutrients.They can both lead to relapse and exacerbations of chronic pathologies, and cause damage to the internal organs on their own.
There are the following types of parasites that can cause diseases in humans:
- protozoa (amoebas, lamblia);
- pathogenic microorganisms (chlamydia, mycoplasmas and others);
- helminths (ascarids, pinworms, bull and pork chain and so on);
- parasitic arthropods (scabies, demodex).
The main feature of the pathologies caused by them is a long -term asymptomatic or low -sympomic course.Parasites skillfully hide their existence, trying to “squeeze the owner out of the body” until his reserves are depleted, and the organ or tissue is seriously damaged.
Symptoms of parasitic diseases
Parasitic pathologies most often mean helminthiases - diseases caused by the presence of worms in the body.In most cases, they occur in children, however, they can also develop in adults if hygiene rules are neglected.For a long time after infection, they do not manifest themselves in any way, or are accompanied by subtle symptoms that often go unnoticed.
Each disease is characterized by certain features, but there are general signs:
- Headache, dizziness, increased weakness and fatigue.These manifestations are a consequence of intoxication that occurs due to poisoning with parasite life.
- Exacerbation of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, urticaria.Arise due to increased sensitivity to helminth cells and their release products.
- Digestive system dysfunction (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, constipation and diarrhea).Helminths parasitizing in the intestinal lumen lead to inflammation and intestinal obstruction due to blockage of the intestinal lumen.
- Anemia, vitamin deficiency, weight loss.Occurs due to deficiency of protein, vitamins and microelements, decreased production of hormones.
- Sleep disturbance, chronic fatigue, irritability, nervousness, muscles and joint pain.
To detect the majority by the type of helminths, it is necessary to analyze feces or donate blood for specific antibodies.You can undergo a study in a clinic at the place of residence, when entering the hospital, as well as in any of the private laboratories.Some medical centers propose to undergo an expanded examination, during which it is possible to diagnose the presence or absence of several types of parasites in the body at once.
Tests for parasites
What tests need to be taken in case of suspicion of a parasitic disease, the attending physician will tell on the basis of complaints, anamnesis and clinical manifestations of the disease.
Diagnosis begins with a general blood test.The most characteristic changes in helminthiasis will be:
- Decreased hemoglobin levels and a decrease in the number of red blood cells (occurs due to protein and iron deficiency).
- An increase in the number of leukocytes, acceleration of ESR (are signs of inflammation of internal organs, in particular the gastrointestinal tract).
- An increase in eosinophils (a characteristic sign of an allergy arising in response to the irritating effect of helminth life).
For a more accurate diagnosis, the analysis of feces on helminth eggs and scraping are used.In the study of feces, you can detect pathogens of enterobiosis, ascariasis, hymenolidosis, as well as detect the presence of simple microorganisms (giardia).
It is important to remember that with a single test, the probability of detecting worm eggs in feces is 30%.Therefore, to clarify the diagnosis, with the first negative result, the study is carried out two more times with an interval of 2-4 days.
To increase the accuracy of the study, it is important to carefully prepare for the passage of feces for analysis.Biological material should be collected only in a special sterile container, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.A few days before the analysis, you should refuse to eat staining foods (beets, red berries, exotic fruits, sweets and drinks with dyes), do not use laxatives, as well as rectal candles.
Immunoform analysis
Using the analysis of ELISA in adults and children, antibodies produced by the human body can be detected in response to the presence of foreign objects in it.To do this, blood is taken from a vein in which, in a laboratory, you can detect specific IgG antibodies to giardia, trichomonads, pig and bull tapeworm, trichinellah, echinococcus, toxocaris and pinworms.With the help of this study, the presence of almost all parasites in the human body can be detected.
Preparing for the study is not difficult.The test must be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach after an 8-10 hour fast.On the eve of the study, it is advisable not to take antibacterial and antihistamine drugs, and also not to eat allergenic foods (honey, seafood, exotic fruits and red berries, nuts).Immediately before donating blood, experts recommend resting in the laboratory waiting room for 10-15 minutes.
The results of the study become known after 1-2 days.These studies are carried out both as a primary diagnosis and as a control over the treatment.
Timely detection and modern effective treatment of parasitic diseases allows you to avoid complications dangerous to health.