Helminths are the most ancient and numerous inhabitants of our planet. It is known that they can live almost anywhere, and the human body is for most of them the best environment to exist. There, the parasite is not only maximally protected from external influences, but is also able to receive the nutrients necessary for its growth and development. Not all helminthiases have significant symptoms (such as the same enterobiasis): often a person does not even suspect that an uninvited guest is living on his or her body. How can parasite invasion be detected?
Why are helminths harmful to the human body?
Despite the fact that helminths can live asymptomatically in the human body for long periods of time, this by no means means that their vital activities are safe. All parasites in the process of growth, development and death release certain substances that contribute to the sensitivity of the body and the development of allergic reactions. Rash, itchy skin, and even anaphylactic shock can be the result of parasitic worms.
Also, many helminths are localized in the gastrointestinal tract of patients and interfere with normal digestive processes and absorption of nutrients. Patients noted the appearance of weakness, fatigue, dizziness and lightheadedness, which may be related to the development of anemia. Brittle nails, hair, dry skin and mucous membranes can be caused by iron deficiency, hypovitaminosis and a lack of mineral components. Against the background of chronic diarrhea, some patients experience dehydration, and even increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
Many helminths have a mechanical effect on the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. Suction cups and hooks injure tissues, which contribute to ulcerative formation and erosive changes. There are also known cases of the development of inflammatory processes of appendicitis against the background of helminthiasis.
Who must be tested?
In fact, everyone is at risk. Almost everyone eats meat or fish, vegetables, fruits and berries, as well as drinks unboiled water and swims in reservoirs. Children are particularly vulnerable in this: they most often have worm eggs. Young children tend to put dirty toys and other objects in their mouths, cuddle with cats and dogs and wild pets and pets, and break the rules of personal hygiene. There are several types of analysis:
Preventive analysis
Their purpose is the timely detection of parasitic worms, even if there are no signs. It is recommended to undergo such inspections at least once a year.
Barrier analysis
They aim to prevent the spread of helminthiasis among people. When a child enters a preschool institution or when going to the swimming pool, it is important to provide a certificate. Medical and nutrition workers should also undergo similar testing.
According to the instructions
If you suspect the development of helminthiasis (epidemiological history and specific complaints), the specialist prescribes some specific studies. This allows you to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and begin treatment.
Analysis for helminth eggs
A fairly popular method for detecting worm eggs is fecal studies. In this case, no additional preparation is required: you just need to collect the biological material in a special jar and take it to the laboratory. However, experts recommend not to take antiparasitic drugs before taking the test: this can affect its accuracy. It should be noted that the analysis must be submitted at least 3 times to exclude false positive and false negative results. Today, fecal studies for worm eggs are gradually giving way to a newer method - the determination of antibodies against certain parasites in the blood.
How to detect enterobiasis?
Enterobiasis is one of the most common helminthiases, and cream worms cause it. The disease is often found in school and kindergarten children, but adults are also at risk of infection. The main symptom of this disease is severe itching in the perianal area. The diagnosis of enterobiasis is made by obtaining a smear or scraping from the area near the anus. This is due to the fact that pathogenic females leave the intestine to lay eggs on the surface of the skin folds. This procedure is performed before going to the toilet and washing in the morning, which allows you to get the right results.
Diagnosis of ascariasis
Roundworms are helminths, their body length can reach up to 40 centimeters. They can travel throughout the body, affecting not only the gastrointestinal tract, but also the lungs. Sputum and fecal specimens can be used as material for research: genetic material from parasites is present in them. Also, ascaris eggs are often found in the stool of patients. However, the most effective diagnostic method is the detection of specific antibodies to parasitic worm antigens in the patient’s blood.
How to identify opisthorchiasis?
Feline fluke causes opisthorchiasis, which is characterized by predominant liver damage. That is why opisthorchus eggs can be found not only in the feces, but also the juice of the duodenum. In recent years, enzyme immunoassay has been widely used to detect antibodies against opisthorchia. Also, helminths can be detected using a polymerase chain reaction, which is effective even with a small amount of biological material.
Identification of trichinosis
Trichinella is a helminth that affects muscles, but can migrate to the central nervous system, causing irreversible changes. If the development of this helminthiasis is suspected, a previous muscle biopsy is performed, but in recent years this has been replaced by serological methods. The detection of antibodies to Trichinella in the patient’s blood was the reason for his diagnosis.