Helminth infection is a disease caused by lower worms parasitizing the human body.There are 3 types of worms: roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes.More than 200 kinds of helminth diseases can occur in humans, but only one-tenth of the diseases in our country are parasitic diseases.The prevalence of worms is affected by the weather and economic conditions in the country.People in developed countries suffer from helminth infections at much lower rates than in third world countries.
Helminthiasis is divided into 3 types based on the nature of the infection:
- Biological helminthiasis (people infected by livestock);
- Geohelminths (parasites that penetrate the body through contaminated soil);
- Contagious (caught through contact with others).
Symptoms of the presence of parasites in the body depend on the type of worm, how many are present in the body, and the stage of the life cycle.The most dangerous consequences are caused by the parasitism of worm larvae.While sexually mature individuals are usually found only in the intestines, larvae can migrate throughout the body, causing pathological changes in organs.Each parasite has its own habitat in the intestines.For example, roundworms are usually found in the small intestine, and pinworms are usually found in the large intestine.Helminth infections are divided into luminal infections (worms remain in the intestinal lumen) and tissue infections (parasites penetrate deep into the tissues).Certain types of parasitic infections can occur in luminal and tissue forms in different stages.
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There are two stages of helminthiasis: acute and chronic.The first begins immediately after the eggs penetrate the body and manifests itself in the form of an allergic reaction.Chronic helminthiasis is characterized by a variety of symptoms.Symptoms depend on where the worms live, their numbers and their lifestyle.By consuming some nutrients, worms participate in metabolic processes that manifest themselves as vitamin and trace element deficiencies and digestive disorders.Worm excrement not only disrupts the natural microflora of the gut but also suppresses the immune system, creating ideal conditions for bacteria, fungi and viruses to thrive.Increased risk of malignancy.
The first signs of worm infection may appear several days after the eggs or larvae enter the body.Immediately after infection, a rash appears, and the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen become enlarged.Some helminthiasis have characteristic symptoms.For example, obstructive jaundice occurs when infected with opioditis.In the presence of a single individual, the chronic phase of helminthiasis may proceed unnoticed.The exception is parasitism in large worms.
When a severe helminth infection occurs, indigestion, severe pain, and symptoms unique to the specific type of parasite can occur.For example, with pinworms, children may experience anal itching that becomes worse at night.Trichuris causes hemorrhagic colitis, and hookworm causes iron deficiency anemia.Roundworms often block the intestinal lumen and bile ducts.Particularly dangerous are parasites that can lead to the formation of cysts - Echinococcus, alveolar cocci.Even small cysts can cause suppuration, peritonitis, and sepsis.Worm infections are often accompanied by neurological symptoms.
Species
Pinworm disease occurs when the body is infested with pinworms (small, light-colored worms).Parasites enter the body through the consumption of unclean vegetables and fruits, interaction with pets and failure to observe hygiene rules.The long course of enterobiasis can be explained by the possibility of self-infection.The parasite's life cycle occurs in the intestines, growing from larvae to adults in 14 days.Even in the larval development stage, worms can cause significant damage to the body.Enzymes secreted by larvae influence the development of inflammatory bowel disease.Adult worms destroy their walls, causing bleeding and promoting bacterial infection.
This worm infection has a specific symptom - itching in the anal area, which occurs mainly in the evening and at night.It is at this time that the female comes out to lay her eggs.Itching leads to scratching, and bacteria enter through scratching.It is this increase in infection that explains the discomfort that does not go away after getting rid of the worms.Pinworm disease in children can cause physical and mental developmental delays.
Ascariasis is characterized by roundworms – red-yellow oblong worms – that live in the body.The worm's life cycle begins when the eggs enter the intestine, where they become larvae.Worm larvae migrate throughout the body, destroying tissue.At the end of the larval stage, the parasite penetrates the lungs, from where it returns to the gastrointestinal tract with phlegm.The danger in the intestinal stage of the disease is related to the ability of the roundworms to penetrate narrow openings, causing obstructive jaundice.The main symptoms of this type of worm infection are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and signs of poisoning in the body.Roundworms produce strong allergens that can cause severe reactions in the body.
Manifestations of helminth infection are often confused with symptoms of pneumonia, bronchitis, and cholelithiasis.Worm balls can cause intestinal blockage and rupture.Worms that invade the respiratory system can cause suffocation.Trichocephalosis is a worm infection caused by whipworms, small clay roundworms with long bodies and heads.Spread through contaminated food, dirty hands and household items.Key signs of intrusion:
- stomach ache;
- decreased appetite;
- diarrhea;
- anemia.
The tapeworm is a tape-like parasite that can grow up to 20 m in length.The helminthiasis caused by this type of worm is called dilohelminthiasis.The life cycle of E. elongata is characterized by changes in the host.A person becomes infected by eating raw fish and caviar.The larvae become anchored to the intestinal wall, where they transform into adult worms.Worms can reproduce 3-4 weeks after the intestinal stage begins.Symptoms of filariasis:
- indigestion;
- Iron deficiency anemia.
Hookworm is a disease caused by large roundworms.People become infected through contact with contaminated soil; the larvae are able to overcome skin barriers and penetrate the circulatory system.Therefore, they are distributed in all organs and systems.In the intestines, the worms attach to the intestinal wall and begin sucking blood.The symptoms of the disease in the larval stage are similar to those of ascariasis.During the intestinal stage of worm infection, protein levels in the blood drop and anemia occurs.
Opisthormonasis is a helminth disease caused by cat flukes.The life cycle of flukes begins in the water, with the larval stage occurring inside the body of a snail.The larvae then hatch into the water and penetrate the body of the freshwater fish.Eating raw fish dishes can promote infection.Adult worms live in the human gallbladder and are held in place by suckers.Acute opiodomiasis presents with epigastric pain, increased body temperature, joint and muscle aches, and allergic rash.Chronic forms can lead to the development of hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.Even after the parasites are excreted, pathological changes remain in the liver.
Echinococcus tapeworms live in the middle stages of the human orgasmic life cycle.This is a short tapeworm.Human infections occur due to:
- exposure to sick pets;
- Failure to follow personal hygiene rules
- Use contaminated household items.
This parasite is commonly found in dogs, wolves and cats.After the eggs enter the body, they produce larvae, an intermediate form.They penetrate from the digestive system into the circulatory system and are transported through the blood to all organs.Once inside the tissue, the nail ball turns into a fin—a cavity surrounded by two shells.The growth of Fenna leads to the appearance of cysts.Symptoms of the disease depend on the size of the tumor.In addition to tissue destruction, Echinococcus can cause suppuration and poisoning in the body when a cyst ruptures.
Complications of any helminth infection are related to the helminth's effect on tissue, the destruction of which may lead to organ dysfunction.Frequently, helminthiasis is complicated by bacterial infection.When the parasite leaves the body, its presence can cause a person to suffer psychological trauma that requires long-term treatment.
Detection method
Because of the large number of symptoms inherent in helminth infection, questioning the patient to determine the likely route of infection plays an important role.To detect parasite eggs or body parts, stool, bile, and sputum need to be examined.During a general blood test, a significant increase in the number of eosinophils may indicate the presence of parasites.In some cases, immunologic tests that can detect specific antibodies are needed.Other methods of diagnosing parasites in humans are:
- computed tomography;
- ultrasound;
- X-ray examination.
obsolete method
The cornerstone of treatment for helminth infections in adults and children is the use of anthelmintic drugs.
To treat ascariasis and pinworms, drugs that are highly effective against tapeworms are most often used.In most cases, 1 tablet is enough to eliminate parasites, but sometimes treatment is carried out according to a regimen of repeated doses after a certain period of rest.Hydatid disease is usually treated surgically, followed by medications prescribed to restore function to the affected organs.
For some parasites, it is recommended that all family members be treated together.An integral part of the treatment process is observing hygiene rules.To eliminate the symptoms of the disease, antihistamines and probiotics can be taken.
prevention
You can protect yourself from parasitic infections by following rules for personal hygiene and heat handling of food.Soil treatments are recommended to help reduce the number of worm eggs.Examination and timely treatment of domestic cats and dogs can help prevent the occurrence of helminth disease in children.The risk of contracting parasitic diseases increases many times when coming into contact with stray animals carrying a variety of parasites.
Vegetables, fruits and herbs must be washed, as parasite eggs can enter the body with soil particles remaining on them.You should avoid eating raw, salted or dried river fish.Meat must be purchased from trustworthy sellers who can provide quality certificates.