The vital activity of people is closely related to a number of microorganisms that not only live in the external environment, but also live directly inside them.
According to some studies, each of us has about 100 trillion.all types of single-celled organisms.
In medicine, all organisms that live through their hosts are classified as parasites, where fungi, bacteria and viruses are 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 original task is considered to be a secret existence.This is why many of them are difficult to detect immediately;sometimes an illness caused by a parasitic organism can last for years without apparent symptoms or complications.
According to some studies, approximately 85% of humanity is infected with worms and many do not even know about it.
Therefore, every adult should be tested for parasites once a year.
A variety of 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 required microelements absorbed by the pest.
- All kinds of allergic manifestations - rash, rash, cough caused by irrational factors (the cause will often be called parasite residues).
- Weight loss with adequate nutrition.
- Dull skin due to lack or absence 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 harmful organisms in a person, but if several signs are combined, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible for advice and carry out appropriate studies of malfunctions.
Tests for the detection of parasites in adults
It is impossible to capture the entire spectrum of parasitic organisms in a specific and inexpensive survey method.Therefore, a comprehensive analysis for parasites is often performed.
In addition, urine, feces, saliva, blood and areas of human body tissue can be diagnosed.
Let's consider the types of research used in modern medicine.
Histological coprogram
Fecal parasite testing involves using 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 that live in the intestine.
It allows you to diagnose ascariasis, breast worm disease, trichuriasis, enterobiasis and others.
For a detailed stool analysis to identify parasites, fecal matter is collected in a jar issued at the hospital or purchased at a pharmacy.This container is filled up to a third, taking into account the fact that foreign substances (blood, urine) should not enter it.
Collection takes place until 11.00.If fecal matter is stored in the refrigerator, it can be examined within 8 hours.But in the best case, the collected material should be transferred to the laboratory within an hour.When you donate stool, you must sign your jar.
Before donating fecal matter, the patient must be prepared in advance.To do this, you should stop taking anthelmintic drugs, special tablets to normalize digestion and antibiotics for a week.It must be remembered that before the collection procedure, both rectal suppositories and various enemas are prohibited, and the consumption of fatty foods must 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 a single check.
Egg laying by helminths does not happen every night, so this test is performed 2-4 times with an interval of 3-5 days.If several tests given give negative results, then you can be 99% sure that there are no worms parasitizing the intestines.
scratches
The main and simplest examination for enterobiasis.Its meaning is to detect the eggs of worms, which lay them in large quantities in the anus at night.
A stain is taken with a special spatula or a regular wet cotton swab.An alternative option is to carefully apply the tape to the area of the anus and perineum and then stick it to a specially prepared clean glass.
Before being tested for parasites, they should be sealed in a clean bag and delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible.When stored in the refrigerator, the material remains suitable for five hours.
A smear, like a stool test for parasites, is an inexpensive test, but it only detects one type of worm.
Types of blood tests
Any type of blood test reliably informs about the presence of a specific pest in a person.In the process of their harmful vital activity, microorganisms release various toxins and our body responds with antibodies.
Often the parasites live in the liver and lungs and cannot be detected in any other way.
The following blood tests are distinguished:
- for the causative agent of trichinosis;
- enzyme immunoassay (ELISA);
- general;
- in Giardia;
- for the causative agent of echinococcus;
- on the causative agent of ascariasis;
- for the causative agent of opisthorchiasis;
- on 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 tests for parasites you should do, you should always go to the doctor.
Even a general blood test can accurately show the presence of parasitic worms or roundworms.And, for example, the detection of an increased amount 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 first stop taking all medications that may have a harmful effect on the study.It is advisable to consult your doctor about this.
The day before the test, be sure to exclude from the diet fatty foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks and all kinds of sweets.The procedure itself is performed in the morning, on an empty stomach.
Donate blood in an amount of approximately 4 ml from the cubital vein.The results of the study are usually ready after 2-3 days, but the identification of 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, a specialist prescribes:
- chest x-ray- shows calcifications in the lungs, shoulder girdle and liver, which indicates the presence of pig's stripe;
- computed tomography of the chest— will show calcifications, as well as areas of pneumosclerosis;
- ULTRASOUND- allows you to see round cysts.
Preventing
Infection with harmful 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;
- subject meat and fish to a complete heat treatment;
- Maintain intimate hygiene regularly.
But even following all the rules does not guarantee 100% safety.That is why you should not ignore the symptoms, but you should immediately contact a specialist and undergo the necessary research.