Helminths are the oldest and most numerous inhabitants of our planet. We know that they can live almost anywhere, and the human body is for many of them the optimal environment for existence. There, the parasite is not only maximally protected from external influences, but can also receive the nutrients necessary for its growth and development. Not all helminthiasis have pronounced symptoms (like the same enterobiosis): often a person does not even suspect that uninvited guests are living in his body. How to detect a parasitic invasion?
Why are helminths dangerous for the human body?
Although helminths can live asymptomatically for a long time in the human body, this does not mean that their vital activity is safe at all. All growing, developing and dying parasites secrete certain substances that contribute to sensitization of the body and the development of allergic reactions. A rash, itchy rash, and even anaphylactic shock can be the result of parasitic worms.
In addition, many helminths are localized in the gastrointestinal tract of the patient and disrupt the normal processes of digestion and absorption of nutrients. The patient notes the appearance of weakness, fatigue, dizziness and lightheadedness, which may be associated with the development of anemia. Brittle nails, hair, dry skin and mucous membranes can be the result of iron deficiency, hypovitaminosis and a lack of mineral components. Against the background of chronic diarrhea, some patients develop dehydration and even increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
Many helminths have a mechanical effect on the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. Cupping and hooks injure tissue, which contributes to the formation of ulcerative and erosive changes. There are also known cases of the development of inflammation of the appendicular process against the background of helminthiasis.
Who should get tested?
In fact, everyone is in danger. Almost everyone eats meat or fish, vegetables, fruits and berries, drinks unboiled water, and swims in tanks. Children are particularly vulnerable in this regard: they most often have helminth eggs. Toddlers tend to put dirty toys and other objects in their mouths, cuddle with stray and domestic cats and dogs, and break personal hygiene rules. There are several types of analyzes:
Preventive analyzes
Their goal is the rapid detection of parasitic worms, even in the absence of signs. It is recommended to undergo such an examination at least once a year.
Barrier analyzes
They aim to prevent the spread of helminthiasis among people. When a child enters a preschool or when he goes to the swimming pool, it is imperative to provide a certificate. Medical and nutrition workers should also undergo a similar test.
According to the indications
If you suspect the development of helminthiasis (epidemiological history and specific complaints), the specialist will prescribe a certain range of studies. This allows you to diagnose the disease in time and begin treatment.
Analysis of helminth eggs
A fairly popular method of detecting helminth eggs is the study of feces. In this case, no additional preparation is required: you just need to collect the biological material in a special jar and bring it to the laboratory. However, experts recommend that you do not take any antiparasitic drugs before taking the test: this can affect its accuracy. It should also be noted that the analysis must be submitted at least 3 times to exclude false positive and false negative results. Today, the study of feces for helminth eggs is gradually giving way to new methods - the determination of antibodies to a certain parasite in the blood.
How to detect enterobiosis?
Enterobiosis is one of the most common helminthiasis, and pinworms are the cause. The disease is often found in schoolchildren and kindergarten children, but adults are also at risk of infection. The main symptom of the disease is severe itching in the perianal area. The diagnosis of enterobiosis is made by getting a smear or scraping of the area near the anus. This is due to the fact that the female of the pathogen leaves the intestines to lay eggs on the surface of the skin folds. The procedure is carried out before going to the toilet and washing in the morning, which allows you to achieve an accurate result.
Diagnosis of ascariasis
Roundworms are helminths, the body length of which can reach up to 40 centimeters. They can travel throughout the body, affecting not only the gastrointestinal tract, but the lungs as well. Specimens of sputum and feces can be used as research material: the genetic material of the parasite is found there. Also, roundworm eggs are often found in the patient's feces. However, the most effective diagnostic method is the detection of antibodies specific to parasitic worm antigens in the patient's blood.
How to identify opisthorchiasis?
The feline fluke causes opisthorchiasis, characterized by predominant liver damage. That is why opisthorchus eggs can be found not only in feces, but also in duodenal juice. In recent years, enzyme immunoassay has been widely used to detect antibodies to opisthorchia. In addition, helminths can be detected using the polymerase chain reaction, which is effective even with a small amount of biological material.
Identification of trichinosis
Trichinella is a helminth that primarily affects muscles, but can migrate to the central nervous system, causing irreversible changes. If the development of this helminthiasis was suspected, a muscle biopsy was previously performed, but in recent years it has been supplanted by serological methods. Detection of anti-Trichinella antibodies in the patient's blood is the reason for the diagnosis.