People's life activities are related to various microorganisms that not only inhabit the external environment, but also live in it.
According to some studies, each is home to about 100 trillion.All types of unicellular organisms.
In medicine, all organisms that live through their host are classified as parasites, with fungi, bacteria and viruses being distinguished separately.
Pests in the human body can be divided into types:
- protozoa - amoeba, plasmodia, pneumocystis, lamblia, trypanosomes and others;
- Helminths - parasitic worms;
- pathogenic microorganisms;
- Various arthropods - mites, insects and others.
Their initial task was considered a secret existence.That is why many of them are difficult to detect immediately;Sometimes diseases caused by parasitic organisms can persist for years without any visible signs or complications.
According to some studies, about 85% of humans are infected with worms and many do not know about it.
Therefore, every adult should be tested for parasites once a year.
Various signs and symptoms caused by parasitic organisms
First of all, the presence of parasites in the human body is indicated by:
- Any disturbance in the gastrointestinal tract may indicate worms.
- Susceptibility to infectious diseases and general fatigue, as a result of the lack of micronutrients needed by pests.
- All kinds of allergic manifestations - runny nose, rash, cough caused by unreasonable factors (the cause is often called residual parasites).
- Weight loss with adequate nutrition.
- The skin is dull due to the absence or lack of essential vitamins due to their absorption by parasites.
- Itching in the anus (a sign of enterobiasis caused by pinworms).
- Problems with nails and cracked heels.
Individual cases do not always mean the presence of dangerous organisms in a person, but if several signs are combined, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible for advice and conduct appropriate studies on the dysfunction.
Tests to detect parasites in adults
It is impossible to capture the entire spectrum of parasitic organisms in one specific and inexpensive survey method.Therefore, a comprehensive analysis for parasites is often carried out.
In addition, the following can be diagnosed: urine, feces, forehead, blood and tissue areas of the human body.
Let's consider the types of research used in modern medicine.
Histology coprogram
Fecal parasite testing involves the use of a microscope to examine the patient's fecal matter for the presence of larvae, eggs, or fragments of mature parasites.
Using this method, many types of worms can be identified, but it shows maximum effectiveness when detecting harmful organisms living in the intestine.
Allows you to diagnose ascariasis, worm disease, trichuriasis, enterobiasis and others.
For a detailed analysis of feces to identify parasites, fecal material is collected in a jar issued in a hospital or purchased at a pharmacy.This container is filled one-third, taking into account the fact that foreign substances (blood, urine) cannot get into it.
Collection is made until 11.00 am.If fecal material is stored in the refrigerator, it can be examined within 8 hours.But in the best case, the collected material must be transferred to the laboratory within an hour.When donating a bench, you need to sign your jar.
Before donating fecal matter, the patient needs to prepare first.To do this, you need to stop taking anthelmintic drugs, special tablets to normalize digestion and antibiotics for a week.It should be remembered that before the collection procedure, both rectal suppositories and various enemas are prohibited, and the consumption of fatty foods should be eliminated four days before the procedure.
This type of diagnosis is one of the cheapest, but the information content of the examination often does not reflect the true picture after one check.
Egg laying by helminths does not occur every night, so this test is carried out 2-4 times with an interval of 3-5 days.If some of the tests given give negative results, then you can be 99% sure that there are no worms parasitizing the intestines.
Scraping
The main and easiest exam for Enterobiasis.The point is to detect pinworm eggs, which lay them in large quantities in the anus at night.
The smear is taken with a special spatula or cotton swab that is moistened periodically.An alternative option is to carefully apply the tape to the anus and perineum, and then stick it to a specially prepared clean glass.
Before taking the test for parasites, they must be sealed in a clean bag and sent to the laboratory as soon as possible.When stored in the refrigerator, the material remains suitable for five hours.
Scraping, like checking stool for parasites, is an inexpensive exam, but only detects one type of worm.
Types of blood tests
Each type of blood test reliably tells about the presence of certain pests in a person.In the process of their dangerous life activity, microorganisms release various toxins, and our body reacts with antibodies.
Often the parasite lives in the liver and lungs and cannot be detected in other ways.
The following blood tests are distinguished:
- for the causative agent of trichinosis;
- enzyme immunoassay (ELISA);
- General;
- on Giardia;
- for the causative agent of echinococci;
- on the causative agent of ascariasis;
- for the causative agent of opisthorchiasis;
- About the causative agent of toxocariasis.
Each of these studies accurately determines the presence of harmful organisms and the extent of organ damage using antibodies.But to choose which test for parasites you should take, you should always see a doctor.
Even a general blood test can accurately show the presence of parasitic pinworms or roundworms.And, for example, detecting an increase in the number of immunoglobulin antibodies using ELISA for parasites allows diagnosing any type of helminth in the human body with 90% accuracy.
The main thing is to contact an experienced specialist who will tell you what kind of analysis you need to identify parasites.
Before donating blood for analysis, you must stop taking all medications that could adversely affect the study.It is advisable to consult your doctor about this.
The day before the test, make sure to exclude fatty foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks and all kinds of sweets from the diet.The procedure itself takes place in the morning, on an empty stomach.
Donate blood in an amount of about 4 ml from the cubital vein.The results of the study are usually ready after 2-3 days, but identifying some parasitic organisms will take up to 9 days.
How to identify parasites using other methods
In rare cases, to get an accurate picture of the development of the disease, experts prescribe:
- Chest X-ray- Shows calcification in the lungs, shoulder girdle and liver, which means the presence of pig tapeworm;
- Chest computed tomography- will display calcifications, as well as areas of pneumosclerosis;
- Ultrasound- Allows you to see round cysts.
Prevention
Infection with dangerous creatures always brings many health problems.
Therefore, as in the fight against other diseases, it is better to fight pests with prevention, which consists of simple actions:
- Wash your hands more often;
- eat proven food;
- meat and fish subjects for thorough heat treatment;
- Maintain intimate hygiene regularly.
But following all the rules does not guarantee 100% safety.That is why you should not ignore the symptoms, but should immediately contact a specialist and undergo the necessary research.