Parasitic diseases constitute a large group of diseases caused by helminths, certain arthropods and protozoa.
Despite all the achievements of modern medicine and developed hygiene, according to statistics, about 90% of people in the world face these pathologies at least once in their lives.How to suspect a disease and what tests to perform to detect parasites can be found in this article.
Types of parasites
Parasites are organisms that survive thanks to the vital activity of living beings.By settling in the human body, during their growth and reproduction, they cause a deficiency of microelements, vitamins, proteins and other nutrients.They can both lead to relapses and exacerbations of chronic pathologies, and cause damage to internal organs on their own.
There are the following types of parasites that can cause diseases in humans:
- protozoa (amoeba, lamblia);
- pathogenic microorganisms (chlamydia, mycoplasma and others);
- helminths (roundworms, pinworms, bovine and pork tapeworms, etc.);
- parasitic arthropods (scabies mite, demodex).
The main characteristic of the pathologies they cause is a long asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic course.Parasites skillfully hide their existence, trying to “squeeze everything out of the host’s body” until its reserves are exhausted and the organ or tissue is severely damaged.
Symptoms of parasitic diseases
Parasitic pathologies most often refer to helminthiasis - diseases caused by the presence of worms in the body.In most cases they occur in children, but they can also develop in adults if hygiene rules are neglected.Long 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 also common signs:
- Headache, dizziness, weakness and increased fatigue.These manifestations are a consequence of intoxication resulting from intoxication by parasitic waste.
- Exacerbation of bronchial asthma and allergic, dermatitis, hives.They occur due to increased sensitivity to Helminthic cells and their excretion products.
- Dysfunction of the digestive system (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach burns, constipation and diarrhea).Helminthes parasitizing intestinal light lead to intestinal inflammation and obstruction due to the blocking of intestinal light.
- Anemia, vitamin deficiency, weight loss.Occurs due to a protein, vitamins and microelement deficiency, a decrease in hormone production.
- Sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, irritability, nervousness, muscle and joint pain.
To detect most types of helminthes, it is necessary to carry out a stool test or give blood to detect the presence of specific antibodies.You can take the test in a clinic of your place of residence, when you admission to the hospital, as well as in one of the private laboratories.Some medical centers offer an in -depth examination, during which you can diagnose the presence or absence of several types of parasites in the body.
Parasitic tests
The attending physician will tell you what tests you need to take if you suspect a parasitic disease based on complaints, medical history and clinical manifestations of the disease.
Diagnosis begins with a general blood test.The most characteristic changes of helminthiasis will be:
- Decrease in hemoglobin levels and the number of red blood cells (occurs due to a protein and iron deficiency).
- An increase in the number of leukocytes, acceleration of ESR (are signs of inflammation of the internal organs, especially the gastrointestinal tract).
- An increase in eosinophiles (a sign characteristic of an allergy that occurs in response to the irritating effects of Helminthes waste).
For a more accurate diagnosis, a stool analysis for helminth eggs and scrapings is used.When examining feces, you can detect pathogens of enterobiasis, ascariasis, hymenolipedosis, as well as the presence of protozoan microorganisms (giardia).
It is important to remember that with a single test, the probability of detecting worm eggs in the stool 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 precision of the study, it is important to carefully prepare the submission of the stools for analysis.Biological equipment must be collected only in a special sterile container, which can be purchased in pharmacies.A few days before the test, you must stop eating food that stain (beets, red fruits, exotic fruits, sweets and coloring drinks), and do not use laxatives or rectal suppository.
Enzyme immunoassay
Thanks to ELISA analysis in adults and children, it is possible to detect the antibodies produced by the human body in response to the presence of foreign bodies in it.To do this, blood is taken from a vein in which, in the laboratory, specific IgG antibodies against Giardia, Trichomonas, pork and cattle tapeworm, Trichinella, Echinococcus, Toxocara, Ascaris and pinworms can be detected.Thanks to this study, you can detect the presence of almost any parasites in the human body.
Preparing for the study is not difficult.The test must be done in the morning, on an empty stomach after a fast of 8 to 10 hours.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 giving blood, experts recommend resting in the laboratory waiting room for 10 to 15 minutes.
The study results are known after 1 to 2 days.These studies are carried out both as primary diagnosis and as control of treatment.
Quick detection and modern and effective treatment of parasitic diseases allow you to avoid dangerous health complications.