Helminthiasis

Helminth infestation is a pathology that develops in humans and representatives of flora and fauna. The reason for its occurrence is helminth infection.

Why do helminthiases arise?

Today in the Russian Federation there are about 70 of the 250 species of helminths, all of which can parasitize the human body. Particularly common are roundworms and pinworms (the so-called roundworms), pork and beef tapeworms, which are related to the tapeworms, and flukes (cat flukes).

Infestation occurs after eggs or larvae of parasites enter the body. Depending on the method of infection and transmission characteristics, there are geohelminths that do not have intermediate recipients, biohelminths that sequentially replace several hosts, and contact parasites that are transmitted through contact of one individual with another.

This is how pork and beef tapeworms change several "owners" - this is how their development occurs. Such intermediate individuals are fish and insects. A person gets helminths through eating thermally unprocessed foods, including:

1. Pork and beef.
2. Raw fish (sometimes parasites are found in lightly salted products).
3. Raw water and fruits and vegetables washed with contaminated water.

Ascaris and Necator do not have "intermediate owners". Their eggs and larvae penetrate the soil along with feces. If hygiene rules are violated, pathogens enter the body of the host

The contact method must be mentioned separately. This is the interaction of a healthy organism with an infected organism (e. g. when people use shared utensils or hygiene products or inhale dust in a room containing a pathogen). With enterobiasis, self-infection is also observed (when a person touches his mouth with dirty hands).

Helminths can develop in various organs:

1. colon. Beef and pork tapeworms as well as pinworms usually develop there. From this organ, the larvae can enter the general circulatory system and spread to other organs (e. g. entering the brain or eyes).
2. Liver. Trematodes parasitize here. Once pathogen cysts have burst, they can also be observed in the peritoneum or spleen.
3. Respiratory system (e. g. pulmonary fluke or echinococci).
4. Nervous system (individuals from the schistosomiasis group parasitize here).
5. Organs of vision (laosis and taeniasis).
6. Skin (loiasis and schistosomiasis in the form of larvae).
7. Bone tissue (echinococcosis).

The lifespan of parasites can vary and is usually between a few weeks and several years. Some pathogens can live in the human body for decades.

classification

Depending on the type of parasite, worms can be round, flat or ribbon-shaped and can also include leeches. Parasites are also divided according to their method of spread (e. g. via an intermediate connection or through contact).

Symptoms

Parasites have different effects on the human body:

1. Development of allergic reactions, local or general in nature.
2. Toxic influence. The waste products of these people lead to weakness, poor health and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Injuries. When parasites attach to the intestinal wall, blood circulation is disrupted, necrotic processes occur and the mucous membrane atrophies. The vital activity of helminths leads to compression of soft tissues.
4. Secondary inflammatory process due to the attachment of bacteria.
5. Metabolic disorder.
6. Because some parasites feed on blood, anemia can occur.
7. Helminths irritate nerve endings, causing coughing, respiratory spasms, and impaired intestinal function.
8. Insomnia, neuroses.
9. Immunosuppression.

Helminthiasis develops in several stages and each stage is characterized by its own symptoms.

The first stage is acute, in which the pathogens have not yet laid eggs. It is characterized by sensitization, in which the body produces antibodies, reacts to the inflammatory process and the vascular wall becomes more fragile. Larvae begin to migrate into organs and cause soft tissue injuries. At this stage there may be no clinical manifestations, but sometimes the symptoms are quite pronounced. The duration of the acute stage is 1-4 months, in some cases it can be up to a year.

During this period, patients complain of the following symptoms:

1. Fever with weakness and profuse sweating.
2. Skin rashes accompanied by itching.
3. Swelling.
4. Enlarged lymph nodes.
5. Painful sensations in the joints and muscles.
6. Cough with attacks of suffocation. Chronic bronchitis, asthmatic syndrome and bloody cough may occur.
7. Abdominal pain, nausea, stool disorders.

When this stage is completed, allergic reactions become less pronounced.

Then the subacute stage begins, in which helminths gradually develop. The disease then enters the chronic stage and the pathogens become sexually mature individuals. The exact clinical picture depends on the group of organs affected, the size and number of parasites. Intestinal problems, a feeling of extreme tiredness, increased irritability and signs of aggression often occur. Enterobiasis is characterized by nighttime itching in the perianal area; If the number of parasites is too large, intestinal obstruction can occur.

Features of diagnosis and therapy

When making a diagnosis, the patient's complaints are examined and the results of laboratory and instrumental studies are analyzed. The acute stage is characterized by a specific blood reaction to the presence of a pathogen in the body. The patient is recommended to undergo a general blood test and biochemistry. A stool test for helminths and enterobiasis is also required. Depending on the symptoms of the disease, the doctor will prescribe precise laboratory tests.

Additional studies include:

1. X-ray of the chest organs.
2. Ultrasound or computed tomography of the peritoneal organs and chest.
3. Computed tomography of the brain.

If you suspect you have helminthiasis, make an appointment with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to a highly specialized doctor.

Most patients do not require hospitalization. If the helminths have penetrated into the soft tissues, the disease proceeds with complications and hospital treatment is required.

For treatment, drugs with anthelmintic effects are prescribed. The exact dosage is determined only by the doctor; it depends on the stage of the pathology, the age and weight of the patient.

In addition, anti-allergic drugs, body detoxification and vitamin preparations are prescribed to strengthen the immune system. With increased body temperature and severe pain, the doctor prescribes drugs from the NSAID group; the swelling is eliminated with diuretics. In severe stages, treatment with hormonal drugs is required to eliminate allergies and improve the patient's well-being.

Prevention measures

To avoid the occurrence of helminthiasis, follow the following prevention recommendations:

1. Pay careful attention to personal hygiene. Do not use other people's towels, toothbrushes, or other personal items.
2. Only use high-quality, purified water for drinking and hygiene measures.
3. Carry out timely vaccination and prevention of helminths in pets.
4. Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly.
5. Ensure adequate heat treatment of meat and fish.

Before traveling to an exotic country or a children's camp, you can take special medications to prevent helminthiasis. If you often travel to exotic countries or have pets, it is better to have a check-up for the whole family twice a year.